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It is believed that Pakistan’s descent into the quagmire of violence, partaken in the name of religion has its roots in 1974 when the otherwise ‘secular’ government of Z A. Bhutto declared (through legislation) the Ahmadi community as a religious minority.

Many Pakistani political historians have also correctly pointed out that the Bhutto government’s move in this regard set off various other scenarios that set the scene for its own dramatic downfall in 1977.

Without getting into the theological debate of whether the Ahmadi community deserved excommunication from the fold of Islam in Pakistan or not, one can, however, reach a political conclusion that this issue has triggered the demise of democratic and non-religious forces that sided with those who originally initiated legislative action against the Ahmadis.

The following examples in this context should also be taken as a warning by democratic parties on both sides of the ideological divide that their ‘pragmatic’ association with fundamentalist and sectarian outfits is akin to digging a hole for themselves.

For example, in hindsight one can suggest the Bhutto regime deluded itself by believing that ousting the Ahmadis from the fold of Islam would appease the religious parties that were constantly criticising the government of being ‘un-Islamic.’

The Ahmadis’ ouster saw the Bhutto government increasingly cornering itself and offering more and more concessions to the religious parties in spite of the fact that most of these parties had been routed in the 1970 general election.

Simply put, parties that were rejected by the electorate in 1970 were actually strengthened by Bhutto’s policy of appeasement; a policy he thought was a clever and pragmatic ploy on his part to co-opt them.

This unwitting and unintentional strengthening of the religious parties by Bhutto was one of the main reasons why these parties managed to unite on a single platform during the 1977 election and then, rather ironically, unleash a violent protest movement against his government that culminated in the declaration of Martial Law by General Ziaul Haq.

What is also ironic is the fact that Zia’s aggressive ‘Islamisation’ process throughout the 1980s was largely built around the unsuspecting blueprint of Political Islam that the Bhutto regime had begun to outline from 1974 onwards.

But before we set out to find exactly what happened in 1974, it would also help to reanalyse the first major movement against the Ahmadi community in 1953.

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In one of the most thorough books written on the rise of religious radicalism in Pakistan - ‘Pakistan’s Drift into Extremism,’ - author Hassan Abbas has painstakingly researched and detailed the 1953 incident.

At the time of the creation of Pakistan in 1947, fundamentalist outfits such as the Jamat-i-Islami (JI) and the Ahrar had been discredited and sidelined due to their stand against Jinnah and the creation of Pakistan (both had labeled Jinnah as ‘Kafir-i-Azam’ or the leader of infidels).

But in spite of this, both the parties’ main leadership had decided to migrate to Pakistan.

In 1951 due to a failed ‘communist coup’ attempt by some left-wing military men in league with the Communist Party of Pakistan (CPP) and a group of progressive intellectuals initiated an intense governmental crackdown and bans against left-leaning officers in the military, the CPP and affiliated trade and labour unions.

This created just enough of a void for some radical rightist forces to seep in.

This opportunity was further widened by the disintegration of the ruling Muslim League (ML) that was by then plagued with in-fighting, corruption and myopic and exhaustive power struggles among its top leadership.

In 1953-54 after smelling an opportunity to reinstate their political credentials, the JI and the Ahrar gladly played into the hands of the then Chief Minister of Punjab and veteran Muslim Leaguer, Mian Mumtaz Daultana, who was plotting the downfall of his own party’s prime minster, Khuwaja Nizamuddin.

With a burning ambition to become the Prime Minister after former Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan’s enigmatic assassination in 1951, Daultana was bypassed when the ML government chose the Bengali Nizamuddin as PM whom Daultana considered to be incompetent.

As Chief Minister of Punjab, Daultana was being criticised for the rising rate of unemployment and food shortages in the province.

Anticipating protests against his provincial government’s failure to rectify the economic crises in Punjab, Daultana began to allude that economic crises in the Punjab were mainly the doing of the Ahmadi community.

The Ahmadis had played a leading role in the creation of Pakistan and were placed in important positions in the military, the bureaucracy, the government and within the country’s still nascent industrial classes.

Daultana did not accuse the Ahmadis directly. Instead, he purposefully ignored and even gave tact support to JI and Ahrar who decided to use the crises in the Punjab by beginning a campaign against the Ahmadi community and demand their excommunication from the fold of Islam.

As JI and Ahrar members went on a rampage destroying Ahmadi property and personnel in Lahore, Daultana was able to shift the media’s and the nation’s attention away from his provincial government’s economic failures.

But his ‘victory’ was short-lived. The Nizamuddin government with the help of the military crushed the movement and rounded up JI and Ahrar leaders.

It then went on to dismiss Daultana. The demand to throw the Ahmadis out of the fold of Islam was rejected.

Veteran Muslim League leader, Sardar Nishtar (left) in a meeting with General Azam Khan in 1954. General Azam was instrumental in crushing the anti-Ahmadi riots in Lahore in 1953 and arresting JI and Ahrar leaders.

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After the failure and crushing of the 1953 movement, the anti-Ahmadi sentiment receded to the fringes.

However, some religious parties like the JI tried to reignite it many years later during the campaigning of the 1970 election. But there were no takers and the initiative quickly dissolved.

In his book, ‘Bhutto, Zia & Islam,’ Syed Mujawar Shah suggests that JI’s move during the 1970 election was related to the overwhelming support the Ahmadi community had exhibited for Bhutto’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in West Pakistan – a party that was being labelled by the JI as ‘atheistic’.

Almost all religious parties and even old conservative outfits such as the many factions of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) faced rousing defeats during the 1970 election.

But in 1973, fearing marginalisation and a possible exit from the political process, these parties once again decided to repose the ‘Ahmadi question.’

The first shots in this regard were fired in the Azad Jamua Kashmir Assembly in April 1973 when some right-wing members of the Assembly floated a resolution to declare the Ahmadis as non-Muslims.

The resolution did not carry much weight.

Undeterred, the same year religious party members and those belonging to PML floated similar resolutions in the Punjab and Sindh assemblies but these too were shot down by the PPP MPAs who were in the majority in the two assemblies.

Then, when Bhutto was about to host a mammoth summit of Muslim heads of state and government in Lahore, he was approached by Ahmadi religious leader, Mirza Tahir, who told him that religious parties were planning to use the Summit to demonise the Ahmadi community.

Bhutto assured Tahir that nothing of the sort would happen.

A month after the Summit, an organisation called the Rabita Alam-i-Islami that was founded in Saudi Arabia in 1962, passed a resolution declaring the Ahmadis as non-Muslim.

Having the backing of the Saudi monarchy, the resolution also stressed that people of the Ahmadi faith not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia.

A delegation of Pakistan had also become a member of this organisation and it did not hesitate to sign on the resolution. Bhutto did not think much of it, though.

Unable to make a dent in the assemblies, the religious parties decided to pour out onto the streets.

In 1974 they launched a full-fledged campaign against the Ahmadis. Once again Punjab was the main battleground as the anti-Ahmadi sentiment remained weak in the other three provinces of the country.

The religious parties even managed to obtain fatwas from some well known Saudi Arabian clerics to back their demands to excommunicate the Ahmadis.

One of the founding members of the PPP and a minister in the Bhutto regime’s first cabinet, Dr. Mubashar Hasan, recently went on record to claim that the government knew that the Saudi monarchy was encouraging the campaign.

He suggested that since from 1974 onwards Bhutto had begun to push Pakistan closer to oil-rich Arab monarchies, he largely remained silent on the issue.

Cheered on by the ‘ulema’, mobs in many cities of the Punjab began attacking Ahmadis and their property.

Eight religious parties led by the JI, including the Deobandi Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI) and the Barelvi Jamiat Ulema Pakistan (JUP), and the conservative Pakistan Democratic Party (of Nawabzada Nasarullah) and PML factions, formed an organisation called the Qadiyani Muhasbah Committee (Committee for Exposition of Qadyanism).

Islamic Scholar and founder of the Jamat-i-Islami holding a press conference in 1974 demanding that the government declare the Ahmadi community non-Muslim.

The organisation vehemently criticised the Bhutto government for ignoring ‘the aspirations of the people’ by not heeding to the calls of the ulema.

The ‘people’ in this case, of course, were the raging mobs led by local clerics and student-wings of the religious parties rampaging across the streets in the Punjab committing murder and arson.

Shaken by the sudden, but well orchestrated violence of the mobs, in June 1974, 37 MNAs in the National Assembly moved a resolution demanding the excommunication of the Ahmadis from Islam.

It should also be kept in mind that the Punjab in the 1970s held the PPP’s largest vote bank and support base.

Prime Minister Bhutto soon broke his silence and decided to allow the National Assembly to debate the issue.

At the same time a government delegation led by Kausar Niazi, held a series of meetings with the ulema belonging to Sunni (both Deobandi and Barelvi) sub-sects, and the Shia sect.

The parliamentary committee that came into being after the talks agreed to listen to the leaders of the Ahmadi community who wanted the committee to hear their side of the argument as well.

Bhutto’s hand in this context was also influenced by the fact that by 1974 his regime had begun to forge a series of economic and political links with oil-rich Arab monarchies.

These monarchies had begun to assert themselves with the help of the rise and pouring in of ‘Petro-Dollars’ after the 1973 Arab-Israel War and the oil crises that followed.

After going through the report on the meetings the government’s team had had with the Sunni and Shia ulema, Bhutto finally gave the green light to the PPP majority in the National Assembly to approve the passage of the anti-Ahmadi resolution.

Soon, the excommunication of the Ahmadis became part of the 1973 constitution (Second Amendment).

The 1974 National Assembly report on the ‘Ahmadi question’ and a montage of newspaper headlines announcing the assembly’s decision to ouster the Ahmadi community from mainstream Islam.

The Ahmadi community that had overwhelmingly supported the PPP was shocked.

Though the violence stopped after the passage of the resolution, a large number of Ahmadis who were actively involved in the fields of business, science, teaching and the civil service began to move out of Pakistan, leaving behind the less well-to-do members of the community who till this day face regular bouts of violence and harassment.

In another series of ironies, in 1977, the parties that had rejoiced the introduction of the Second Amendment were out on the streets again – this time agitating against the very government and man who had agreed to accept their most assertive demand.

In the final act of this irony, in April 1979 the same man was sent to the gallows (through a sham trial) by the military dictatorship of Ziaul Haq, who decided to stay on to ‘turn Pakistan into a true Islamic republic,’ and would go on to explain how Bhutto had become ‘a danger to both Islam and Pakistan.’

In 1984 the Zia dictatorship further consolidated the state of Pakistan’s stand against the Ahmadis by issuing an ordinance (Ordinance XX), which prohibited Ahmadis from preaching or professing their beliefs.

The ordinance that was enacted to suppress ‘anti-Islamic activities,’ forbids Ahmadis to call themselves Muslim or to pose as Muslims. Their places of worships cannot be called mosques and Ahmadis are barred from performing the Muslim call to prayer, using the traditional Islamic greeting in public, publicly quoting from the Qur'an, preaching in public, seeking converts, or producing, publishing, and disseminating their religious materials. These acts are punishable by imprisonment of up to three years.

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As a new generation of Pakistanis is growing up amidst the still on-going violence against the Ahmadi community, many of them have emerged with a number of questions, especially on social media.

The following are some of the questions being asked: How exactly was Islam and Pakistan saved by what happened in 1974? How did all this help Pakistan become a better place and a more robust democracy? And are not the Muslim sects and sub-sects who all joined in to throw the Ahmadis out of the fold of Islam now trying to do the same with each another?

But to me the most pertinent question remains, what were all the revolutionary leftists, secular liberals and progressive Muslims up to when all this was going on?

One must remember that till the late 1970s, the left and the liberal in Pakistan had far more influence in educational institutions, political parties, the media, and the bureaucracy, even in the armed forces than ever.

The Muslim League and the generation of Pakistani leaders and the military that took the reigns of the country soon after its creation in 1947, were steeped in the ‘modernistic and progressive Islam’ of scholars like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Alama Iqbal (The Aligarh Generation).

They might have been vehemently opposed to leftist ideologies, multi-party democracy and multiculturalism; they were equally suspicious of the more radical strains of both political and social Islam.

That’s why its response to the 1953 Anti-Ahmadi riots is now a well documented (and quotable) part of history.

Not only did the government and the military crush the riots, it sent the main perpetrators packing.

Some of them were even given death sentences, including JI’s Abul Ala Maududi (though he was later pardoned).

Then to determine the claims of the anti-Ahmadi clergy and scholarship, the government chose a respected, learned and neutral judge to hear them out, Chief Justice Munir.

After hours and hours of holding interviews with a number of Sunni and Shia ulema, Justice Munir concluded that each one of his interviewees had their own, unique interpretation of who or what a good Muslim was.

The ulemas’ demand to declare the Ahmadi community as non-Muslim was rejected on the findings of the lengthy report that Munir produced from these interviews (called the Justice Munir Report).

This might be explained as the liberal response to the issue. But what was the left’s response?

The left in Pakistan that would reach a peak in the late 1960s, and was fond of understanding politics and society based on thorough Marxist analysis, failed to gage the impact the religious parties would go on to have in the coming political struggles in the country.

The focus of the Pakistani left at the time remained to be the elimination of feudalism in Pakistan by infiltrating left-liberal bourgeoisie parties that would then be ideologically redirected and used to overthrow the resultant capitalist order with a communist revolution.

In fact it was in the late 1960s that the Pakistani left for the first time got down to also seriously analyse the role of the religious parties in its study of class struggle in Pakistan.

The trigger in this respect was the appearance of anti-left literature bundled out by the fundamentalist JI.

The JI had declared socialism to be ‘an atheistic conspiracy against Pakistan and Islam’

Leftist intellectuals like Safdar Mir and Hanif Ramay while writing for progressive Urdu weekly, ‘Nusrat,’, retaliated by describing the religious right in Pakistan as being ‘agents of imperialist forces (the US)’ and ‘lackeys of feudal lords, military generals and capitalist exploiters.’

‘Nusrat’ also reproduced old articles written by Maududi in which he had attacked Jinnah and denounced the creation of Pakistan.

Then in 1969 famous leftist poet and author, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, took the Pakistani left’s analysis of religion a step further by writing a fluent treatise on the culture of Pakistan.

He dismissed the religious right’s wish to turn Pakistan into ‘an abode of Islam,’ and also its claim that ‘secularism was like the Trojan horse from which anti-Islam forces wanted to infiltrate Pakistan and break it.’

Faiz suggested that Pakistan did not have a monopoly to define Islam.

In his paper he insisted that Pakistani culture was not just Islamic, but a mixture of many ethnic, sectarian, religious and western cultures that it had inherited after 1947.

Famous poet, author and intellectual, Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

Nevertheless, by the early 1970s much of the affective political and intellectual left had been co-opted by the PPP.

So when in 1974 Bhutto began to concede vital ground to the religious right, many leftists mostly remained quiet (sectioning their leader’s so-called pragmatic manoeuvres).

Those who opposed him (like Meraj Muhammad Khan and J A. Rahim were beaten, arrested and thrown into jails), while others had become just to fragmented due to the petty ideological battles between the Stalinists, Maoists, Trotskyites, Leninists, etc. This was a petty display of leftist sectarianism.

By the time Zia issued his Ordinance XX in 1984, both the left and the liberal were too embroiled in fighting the dictatorship on many fronts.

And anyway, his Ordinance seemed softer compared to the laws he would go on to enact in the name of Islam.

But one can’t really separate all these laws. They are eventually a legacy of the 1974 move.

They are sides of the same coin. A coin that has only grown in value and currency, sapping the genius and energy from things like democracy, pluralism and multiculturalism can infuse in a society.

Nadeem F. Paracha is a cultural critic and senior columnist for Dawn Newspaper and Dawn.com

The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.

Comments (423) Closed

In retrospect knowing the authoritarianism that has prevailed in Protestanism since its origins I would hope that we don't turn NFP into a Luther.

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Hairaan

Dec 13, 2012 12:43pm

The only reason I praise ZAB. Declaring Qadianis non-Muslim.

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k2

Dec 13, 2012 06:06pm

Politics is used in Pakistan for all the wrong reasons
1)To establish Islam by supporting Islamists.
2)By grabbing power and making money using corruption.

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Soul of Manto

Dec 15, 2012 03:52pm

You are right. It would be a very painfull experience for me as well. But instead of dreaming and waiting for an ideal solution, I will go for a practical solution. I repeat nothing is more important than life itself. Manto would agree, I am sure.

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Soul of Manto

Dec 13, 2012 07:21pm

Islam is what it does. Same goes with every other religion.
A religion is known and will be judged by the act of its followers.
You can't hide behind a book when the problem is staring at your face.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 12:58am

My father always told me that Arabs can't get along with anyone - not even with each other.
That always happens when God has made us so very special.

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Amir

Dec 14, 2012 04:50pm

That is simple. I use alcohol as the gauge. The only good muslim is the one that drinks.

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observer

Dec 14, 2012 05:47pm

I don't exactly understand what you mean. I am assuming that you are referring to nothing being done against extremist thought. Let me say that the wound of extremism is not untended. Every single day millions of Pakistanis (and non-Pakistanis) talk about it and condemn it. I see extremism just a temporary phenomenon. There is a bright side too to this sad affair. Pakistanis are learning the merits of keeping religion and state apart.

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Sandeep

Dec 17, 2012 11:05am

Great work by The Dawn. Your articles prove that you have a vibrant fourth estate though other pillars of democracy are not that strong. Thanks for helping us to navigate into the hearts and mind of Pakistan which is an object of hatred for most Indians.

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Mustafa Razavi

Dec 14, 2012 10:44am

"I don t know why our historians and thinkers portray Bhutto as a LEADER in fact all he was was a power hungry"
Today there is no contradiction between being a "Leader" and being power hungry. No, doubt Bhutto was a Wadera, that is what put him on the throne and that is what took him to the gallows. I sometimes wonder if Faiz Sahib had Bhutto in mind when he said:
Maqam Faiz koi rah me jacha hi naheen
Jo koe-e-eyar se nikle to se-e-eyar Chalay

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abbastoronto

Dec 14, 2012 01:48pm

TKhan Sahib: Greetings
Many thanks for your kind words.
I have never riled against Indian achievements that are impressive. But so are the achievements of the West during 1980-2000 under Reaganomics/Thatcherism. I have only tried to point that India seems to be following the same model that has now been discredited, and Friedman, Greenspan, and the Chicago School along with it.
Rather than make a general comment I would prefer that you picked up a specific point, and refuted it theoretically.
And then, whether I am fake, I will let the readers be the judge.
Best wishes

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Imran

Dec 13, 2012 07:21pm

ZAB tried to play God by declaring Ahmadis non-Muslims. He got punishment in this world. God knows whats happening in the after world. Only God can decide who is a Muslim. He never gave this authority to humans.

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YA

Dec 14, 2012 04:02pm

please enlighten us all of the principles to label a person muslim vs non muslim ....

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Mohsin

Dec 13, 2012 01:27pm

First NFP article I have enjoyed in a long while. Mr NFP when you don't try to be funny, you write really well.

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Karachi Wala

Dec 13, 2012 01:28pm

Thanks NFP for a very insightful article about the slippery path the elites of Pakitan chose. The very choice has now taken Pakistan to a sure path of disintigration. What i pitty!!

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Abbas

Dec 13, 2012 01:28pm

Simple. NFP is a classic example of a liberal progressive Muslim.
To quote from one his tweet: "Giving tax to the government is my patriotic duty and giving charity in the name of God is my worship."

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G M Patra

Dec 14, 2012 02:49pm

Pakistan depends upon them for monetary help. So they have to listen to what the donors want.

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abbastoronto

Dec 15, 2012 02:45pm

Chris Howell: Greetings
Your posts are increasingly becoming not only anti-Pakistan, but anti-Muslim. I wonder if Dawn is permitting your posts just to demonstrate that people with

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Anti-Jerk

Dec 13, 2012 12:53pm

And how is that? Please do enlighten us.

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Sue Sturgess

Dec 15, 2012 08:12am

@ Saeed, how can you say you give a 100% guarantee that Pakistani will never kill Pakistani, when every day, Pakistani newspapers report such murders? Please explain how to invoke your gurantee. How does it work? Do you bring these people back to life? Replace them free of cost?

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Sue Sturgess

Dec 15, 2012 08:14am

By definition, how can a muslim, be a non muslim? Or are you saying it is ok to lie and declare yourself to be other than who you are?

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Imran

Dec 13, 2012 07:23pm

What are you cheering for Cyrus? The guys praising NFP.

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Saeed

Dec 14, 2012 05:56am

Zain, hold your horses, Ahmadis are not Muslim, no matter how bad anybody else is, they are still under the fold of Islam, the Qadianis are not.

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Soul of Manto

Dec 13, 2012 07:23pm

Nobody needs to speak to God. He is watching and listening everything.

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Aqil Siddiqi

Dec 15, 2012 08:02am

The way Pakistan is today, we need miracles not Imran Khan to change this once proud nation, If Jnnah can speak from his grave, I am sure, he would say, Oh God "What Have I Done". I didn't make this country to be get destroyed like this. The failure of our nation has been a combine effort of all the politicians, our army, and most of all "The People".Why we have become so barbaric and unconsciousness.

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Sue Sturgess

Dec 15, 2012 08:04am

Stop looking for apologies from the current generation for things that happened long before they were born. If I do something wrong, I will aplogise for it. I am not willing to apologise for the wrongs of my ancestors. Are you? Is it your fault if a great, great grandparent did something wrong? .. NO!!! Look to the future, not the past.

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Sue Sturgess

Dec 15, 2012 07:54am

What value is there in "tracing hate"? Does it matter how / when / where it originally came from? A few generations down the track and the source becomes irrelevant, as the hatred is passed from one generation to another and simply becomes ingrained, long after the initial reasons have been lost. Better to look at where hatred has no hold. Look at innocent young children, who, when put together, are happily ignorant of issues of race, wealth, language, religion,etc, and simply play with, and enjoy one another. Unfortunately as the children get older, the adults in their lives teach them to hate. Look to the future for solutions, not to the past!

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faraz

Dec 15, 2012 06:00am

are Shias now ready to apologize to Ahmadis and ready to work openly for a secular Pakistan........

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Cynical

Dec 15, 2012 05:57pm

I agree. Jinnah understood this simple truth long before you and me.

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Zain Ansari

Dec 13, 2012 02:19pm

Carry on guys first you declared Ahmadis non muslim, next in line are Shia, next in line are Barelvi ...........

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Cynical

Dec 15, 2012 03:14pm

Thanks.
Such a simple idea, but so difficult for people to understand.
As if some people just can't live without an object (at least) of hatred in front of them.
But never the less, you said what ought to be said.

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muhammad

Dec 14, 2012 09:40am

NO there is a lot of difference of interpretations of Islam between an educated broad minded Modern Muslim like Jinnah and the one you mentioned. Remember Pakistan was created as a separate homeland for Muslims and hence Islam had some special dimensions for creation of new homeland for Muslims of Pakistan

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sid

Dec 13, 2012 03:58pm

Do not judge Islam by seeing a muslim. all muslims do not represent there religion. If you want to know what islam is read the quran with translation and or talk to people who are educated not only in islamic studies but also in modern science and technology. A great example is if a guy driving a ferrari smashes it into a pole. who will you blame the car or the driver?. so if you judge islam by seeing a muslim, your not doing the right thing. Islam is a liberal religion. People have demonized it so have the media.

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Shahid Masud12

Dec 16, 2012 05:41pm

Seeds of hatred were planted long before 1974 , problem started in 1947 when Muslim and Hindu politicians divided subcontinent in the name of Religion.

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abbastoronto

Dec 15, 2012 05:57am

Sunny: Greetings
Burden on the Canadian Taxpayer??? Free Pension??? Burden??? LOL
Canada is going bankrupt soon. All the social programs will not last more than 10 years. Gone are the good days. Pension you say?? What Pension??
Canada should kiss my feet that for the last 15 years I have been toiling abroad (East Asia, Middle East, USA) and bringing in the loot, and paying taxes on the top to keep these lazybones sustain their lifestyle. These words are coming to you from Dearborn MI.

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Soul of Manto

Dec 15, 2012 04:20pm

Sorry. Read, 'Hope you are not mocking him (Cynical).

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Soul of Manto

Dec 15, 2012 04:16pm

Hope you are not mocking. If you do, just think of Bamiyan statues.

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Patriot Pakistani

Dec 15, 2012 04:28pm

Surprisingly the author forgets the involvement of Pakistan Army in every aspect of Pakistani Politics,from killing of intellectual professors of Dhacca UNiversity to the dismemberment of Pakistan.What Bhutto did was what Pak Army wanted him to do.That he was wrong in doing so is not in doubt but ot should be read in context.What happened next is needs much more thought-Zia not only
killed Bhutto with the aid of Punjabi Judiciary but passed Blasphemy laws which nobody dare to rescind.It is the Establishment not the Governments of the day which force Politician's to do some unsavory things.Mr NFParacha should open his eyes and see what is happening in Baluchistan today 33 years after Bhutto's death

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Cynical

Dec 15, 2012 06:29pm

Through out the written history of mankind more people died because of religion than out of famine.

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Shaha

Dec 15, 2012 12:14pm

Dear AHA.
There is no consolation into that. Death is a Death and all of them are tragic for the near and dear ones.....

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muhammad

Dec 14, 2012 09:50am

One think you will admit that the military ruler Zia made the Islamic Parties a Monster

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Soul of Manto

Dec 15, 2012 07:13pm

There is a difference, and a big one for that matter. The 2 WW were not in the name of religion.

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muhammad

Dec 14, 2012 09:46am

Mr. Salim,
Please correct your history also the said group or tribe never refused to pay Zakat but they simply refused to pay Zakat to Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)

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muhammad

Dec 14, 2012 09:43am

Well said

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Maryas

Dec 14, 2012 05:27pm

When you are impure in the land of the pure, you have no choice but to go to the hammam! When their is so much impurity you do not have enough numbers of hammams!

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Salma Ahmad

Dec 14, 2012 02:42pm

if you want to be one of those who dehumanize people just on the basis or their race, religion, language etc...then please do so....for this matter is between you and Allah. but atleast have enough manners to call people by their true names....Members of Ahamdiyya community call themselves AHAMDIS. Not Qadianiz...and anyhow...people who know urdu should know that Qadianis are those people who live in Qadian...just as Pakistanis are those who live in Pakistani and Indians are those who live in India and so forth....so please..Pakistan already has its full share of social ills as it is....but please be aware that your one comment can be the cause of death of a HUMAN BEING and a life of misery for that human beings equally human family.

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Maryas

Dec 14, 2012 05:29pm

to clean away the impurity

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Imran

Dec 14, 2012 05:29pm

If you care to read the Quran you will see how much it stresses respect for other religions. As for the Abrahamic faiths , they are seen to evolve from Judaism to Islam and are inter-connected. So dismissing them as man-made belies your own ignorance.

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abbastoronto

Dec 15, 2012 05:36am

Pradip ji: Namaste
Not only Islam, but ALL religions are also about money and power, not just salvation. I have argued consistently that religions are socio-economic systems that most efficiently answer to the Primal Existential Question of Survival, Growth, Evolution, and politics is the practical side of this struggle. Rituals help bind people of similar economic outlook. Each religion (system) has
1. a natural economic environment
2. a unit building block
3. a planning horizon
4. a resource allocation methodology
5. an output distribution formula
In case of Islam its political aspects are evident than most, and its sects are also on political basis. Of course, with time, the political differences began to get reflected in theology as well.
Religions are tied to economic environment. Since both Christianity and Hinduism are agrarian based, they are very similar to each other. The most important trait of both is that the revolving axis is Love, the necessary and sufficient condition for survival and growth of any agrarian society.

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Madeeh

Dec 14, 2012 09:38am

Jinnah was an opportunist and he did everything to be the Holy Cow!!! Religion has no place in a state or creation of it. Its a dilemma he is called Quaid-e-Azam or perhaps he is the right full leader of the masses of pakistan

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Soul of Manto

Dec 15, 2012 03:22pm

@SBB
I know and understand it too well. My wail was an act of frustration.
But during partition both Hindus and Muslims left their ancestoral home with virtualy nothing and baring a few almost all of them rebuilt their life anew. Admittedly not at the same level of success. And then, what about the rich ones?

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Imran

Dec 14, 2012 05:22pm

Very true. Islam is supposed to be the only religion with no concept of priesthood. Its every man for himself. Imam's job is to lead prayers, not dictate life terms. Thanks to Gen Zia this Mullah genie is out of the bottle and no one knows how to dismount this tiger.

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Seeker

Dec 13, 2012 03:44pm

All politicians of Pakistan have shot Pakistan and are burying Pakistan under the ground.

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Human

Dec 15, 2012 06:54am

Irony of pakistan..."General" being called a great Politician .. no wonder Musharraf still wants a chance back.

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n.qureshi

Dec 13, 2012 02:01pm

thanks for another excellent article.

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AHA

Dec 15, 2012 12:38am

Wondering where you learnt your intolerance from.
Let me make a guess.
On second thoughts, I will just keep quiet.

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observer

Dec 13, 2012 03:13pm

NFP is a genius. Great article on a rather difficult topic.

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Cynical

Dec 15, 2012 05:12pm

Shall I qualify as a liberal progressive Muslim, if I, like NFP pay my tax to the government, but unlike NFP give charity in anybody else's name instead of in the name of God?

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george

Dec 17, 2012 10:38pm

Google THE NEW MIDDLE EAST MAP

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george

Dec 17, 2012 10:42pm

Poor hindus in Pakistan will be poor in India,and may be better. Thousands of poor hindus migrated to india from bangladesh in the last forty years and they are better off in India as there are more opportunities in India.

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Soul of Manto

Dec 15, 2012 06:10pm

Does it also mean that, only God can decide who is a 'kafir'.
And if the answer is yes, then it begs a question; why some humans imposed 'jizya' on some other humans?

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Salma Ahmad

Dec 14, 2012 02:35pm

if you want to dehumanize people then please do so...for that is the matter between you and Allah...but please have the manners of calling people with their true name..members of Ahamdiyat Community call themselves Ahamdis...not Qadiayanis....and anybody who has knows urdu will know that Qadiayanis are those who live in Qadian..just as Islamabadi are those who live in Islamabad and same is the case with Faislabadiz, lahoriz etc..so please have some sense...this county has enough of its social ills as it is...do not be a cause of instigating others...

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Cynical

Dec 15, 2012 06:01pm

I think it means 'seedling'.

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Cynical

Dec 15, 2012 06:22pm

Are you sure? Is democracy compatible with Islam? Mind you, Pakistan is an Islamic country by statute.

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Cynical

Dec 15, 2012 06:49pm

Actually we can trace it further back to the partition dates, when hate against hindus was raised to the level of faith and 'Direct action' was invoked. What goes round comes around.

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Cynical

Dec 15, 2012 06:27pm

Long live Ottoman Empire! I mean in spirit.

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aabdul

Dec 13, 2012 08:58pm

There is much truth in what you say. If you look back, every single leader, especially the military and intelligence, in Pakistan used religion as a tool to get what he wanted. What is sad though is that the normal man on the street buys into it and he is ready to destroy and kill when any leader goads him.

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Indian

Dec 15, 2012 05:47am

Yes its lively, there is really hot arguments going on on hot issues in Indian newspapers online.

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abbastoronto

Dec 15, 2012 05:48am

Oh TKhan Sahib. You are reading too much in my posts.
I am a Muslim, and we do not love lands. Allah made the entire universe for the believers. Islam is borderless. I love India (the place of my birth), and Pakistan (where I grew up) and USA (where I conduct my business at present) equally, and for that matter anywhere that fate takes me.
When I compare the US of the late 1960s with the one today, I see a world of difference. It used to be a very rich country. The streets were literally paved with gold, and Dollar meant something for you could buy an ounce of gold for mere $32. Yes, 92% of US is employed today, but most are Wal-Mart greeters, and gone are the high paying jobs. In the Aerospace Industry where I work there were 465,000 engineers working for NASA in 1968. In 2005 there were merely 19,000, and mostly program managers.
On the other hand Pakistan of today is in a much better situation. When I lived in Pakistan in the 1960s there were a handful of Western elite who consumed most of its output. Today it supports over 5 times the population with better food, clothes, and shelter. Despite the 30 years of Civil War, Pakistan has progressed relatively more than India because in 1947 India was a semi-industrialized country, and Pakistan was an economic backwater.
The Fundamentals of Pakistan are ok. And if you are worried about the violence, remember Turkey under Bulent Ecevit in the 1970s. There were 50 murders every day in Istanbul, but today there is peace. Give Pakistan a chance.

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Kabir

Dec 15, 2012 05:56am

But all other beloved infidels especially from USA and West can enter KSA without any hindrance what a double standards

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akb

Dec 14, 2012 07:54pm

well said :100% correct
MR.BHUTTO contradicted the very bendiction of Mr.jinnah that pakistan's state affair will not dictated by clergy men

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Erfan

Dec 14, 2012 07:56pm

That is difficult to believe. If that be the case, he should have prevented the mob from harassing a peaceful community rather than declare the community kafirs, which they resisted with all their might. It's the same argument the current minister of religious affairs in Indonesia is giving about the Shias; that if they become Sunni, they will not be bothered... Please stop making excuses.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 07:00pm

Wake up oh fellow shopkeepers.

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Taqi Ramzan

Dec 14, 2012 08:54am

blunder by bhutto resulted in the exodus of brilliant Pakistanis ,who could have had been of great help to the prosperity of Pakistan. But , look what is left by these rascals (mullahs) ,idiot, blood thirsty, illiterate, good for nothing maniacs , people destroying pakistan with their full zeal.

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Imran

Dec 14, 2012 05:16pm

I dont see any problem here. He calls them Ahmedis simply because they call themselves Ahmedis. As simple as that. Your so-called name is Ak18. What if I say to you , you are not Ak18 but AK47 (no pun intended). Its not my business telling you what you would like to be called is it? Remember Jam Sadiq always used to refer to BB as Benazir Asif . He made a complete fool of himself since she herself always liked to be knwn as Bhutto. Get my point?

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Ali

Dec 14, 2012 02:38pm

Pakistanis are survivors and we will survive no matter what . We are destined to rise and people from entire world cannot stop that from happening. Enough is said about we being ignorant, but what is being done around the world by most civilized nations, is also not a secret. Stop worrying about us as we know our ways out and start worrying about yourself, as your days are near.

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Tamilslevan

Dec 15, 2012 02:16am

Thank you. But still unable to understand that Islam had a Secular side to it. Look at the plight of minorities in Islamic countries. All men are created equal is a myth in Islamic world where women are treated a second class citizens. Three Talaks are enough for a divorce even now. Anyway I learned a lot from your comments on this site.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 02:08am

"A society whose citizens refuse to see and investigate the facts,
who refuse to believe that their government and their media will
routinely lie to them and fabricate a reality contrary to
verifiable facts, is a society that chooses and deserves the
police state dictatorship it's going to get."
-- Ian Williams Goddard

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 01:54am

The only Iraqi I ever liked is Muktada Al-Sadar. It would be hard for me to trust a Sunni in such a situation.
If Al-Qaeda are Sunnis, let me trust the Shiites. If one is trying to stay alive in a war zone religious ideology is of no use to you. If you want to stay alive in a civil war - respect everyone and you just might make it through. Maybe.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 01:44am

Well you can see how much the Syrians and Iraqis love each other.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 01:41am

Allah is in fact the God of the Hebrews. They were God's chosen until they betrayed Him and He turned away from them. Pakistanis should take heed. Yes they should.
The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) discovered the Hebrew Allah.
Pakistan has little connection to Ibrahim, Moses, Noah, or Jesus - if any connection at all by blood. It was the Angel Gabriel who had the knowledge of the Hebrew people.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 01:34am

Well, be ready to fight with your neighbor China. They have no religion. They will all be Muslims when the Chinese stop eating the pig - which will be never in this world. China has 300 million people of military age who do not, in fact like Muslims.. They only tolerate Muslims.
Don't invade China and get "corrected".

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Mirza Imran Ahsan

Dec 15, 2012 01:27am

M.J let me remind you as an Ahmadi, we created this country against the wishes of Jamaat-e-Islami and other religious parties. We are the most disciplined and organised people in Pakistan. We can defend ourself if we need to. We, as a policy, do not take law into our own hands at all regardless if it is designed against us, you cannot quote an example in 65 years of history refelcting on our highest discipline and educated approach. We will not do this ever. We didn't need Bhutto's help to protect us, he should have acted according to law to protect all citizens of the country.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 01:21am

Making us all proud to be infidels.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 01:19am

A good reason to elect his whole family, no doubt.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 01:16am

In Damascus Kafirs were a wealth concept, especially the Jewish Kafirs. They filled the treasury of the Caliph with great wealth from taxes.

Reading Quran is not enough but followers must follow it but it does not look they are following even a bit. Sorry 1600 years of killing is enough and hating others because of their belief is wrong

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 14, 2012 11:52pm

"I wish we start seeing things the way they are."
.
"Intelligence is the ability to see things as they are."
George Santayana
This is the man who also wrote, "Those who refuse to learn from the mistakes of history are condemned to repeat them."
IGNORANCE is our desire to see things the way we want them to be regardless of facts.
People are waiting to be welcomed to Paradise after committing murder and every other sin because they are the ignorant. It is the other fellow who needs punishment.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 14, 2012 11:43pm

A Pakistani Muslim is a man who would rather kill hundreds of people than eat a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich, and a non-Muslim is the one trying to get away from him.
The people turning Islam into an international joke.

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Bharath

Dec 14, 2012 05:15pm

Unfortunately, when I think about Pakistan my attention goes towards Islamists not on liberal Pakistanis like NFP.

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Mustafa Razavi

Dec 14, 2012 11:36pm

It was a treat to see Sardar Abdur Rab Nashtir and General Azam Khan, two of the most upright politicians the 20th century has produced.

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saad

Dec 14, 2012 08:44am

One has to accept that any violence against the Ahmedis and their property and persecution of them just because they are Ahmedis is completely unIsamic. However it has to be accepted that they are NOT Muslims. The reason is simple. They believe in revelation to another person after the process was closed with Mohammad Rasulullah. One may not believe in Islam or revelation. That is any one's right but one cannot say that Ahmedis are Muslims. Having said that any persecution is wrong and they have to be treated as a valued non-Muslim group by Muslims.

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observer

Dec 13, 2012 03:16pm

I think Shia clerics and scholars based on significant numbers of Shia Muslims in Pakistan did not make a mistake by siding with Sunni clerics. What turned out later was that Zia went out of his way to help militant organizations that took at clear militant stand against Shia. If Zia had not done that, Shia Muslims today would not be going through what they are experiencing.

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Soul of Manto

Dec 15, 2012 05:49pm

Agree with every word of it except the last line. If a book, for that matter any book, which lends itself to multiple interpretations, over hundreds and thousands of years by a multitude of interpretors accross racial and ethnic divide, then there is something which is not right with the book. Ideas which goes against the nature and ways of man and/or do not resonate with the people at the base level are considerd as utopian. A case in point is Communism. A very noble and egalitarian idea on paper, but untenable in practice.

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Malone

Dec 14, 2012 09:27pm

JI is not banned in Bangladesh. However, right now trials are going on in Bangladesh of people who collaborated with the Pakistani army in 1971 and tortured or killed people. Most of these criminals belong to JI.

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Soul of Manto

Dec 15, 2012 03:42pm

I repeat I am an Indian. And I don't want the Muslims to leave India. But if last 65 years of history is anything to go by, the condition and status of minorities are much better in India than in Pakistan. Compare the % of population of Hindus in Pakistan during partition with the same as of today. Again do the same comparison for Muslims in India. Do the same for respective no of temples and mosques in each country for the same period. You will see the trend. Here no body is forcibly converted and paraded on national TV. Neither girls are kidnapped for conversion and marriage. My advice was for the betterment of their next generation who will be almost extinct in another 50 yrs or so.

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Mustafa Razavi

Dec 15, 2012 12:53am

History tells everyone what they want to hear. There was no religion involved in either of the world wars. There was was no religion involved in perhaps history's only true genocide that lasted 400 years and decimated the native population of half of the world's inhabited continents (North America, South America and Australia). There was no religion involved in slave trade that killed tens of millions of Africans, there was no religion involved in apartheid in South Africa. There is only a pseudo religion involved in the Indian caste system,

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Sandeep

Dec 17, 2012 10:58am

Realistic opinion

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Salim

Dec 14, 2012 08:32am

Simple etiquette requires that you address a person or a group by the name they prefer to use (please follow sunnah) and if you cant agree to call them Ahmadi-Muslim, address them as Ahmadi.
RealityCheck, please read early Islamic history instead of repeating a half truth as a complete truth. What you are referring to is that Hazrat Abubakr (ra) quelled a rebellion, when a group refused to pay tax (zakaat). I see Ahmadis pay their taxes. I am with you if you want to chase the tax evaders.

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Soul of Manto

Dec 16, 2012 05:13pm

Well. Do we find a tall claim here?
How conversion becomes helpful for the old, white, poor males to negate, if not overcome the gradual decline of the west, unless the conversion is followed by some financial reward of appreciation.
And if the only thing that the young, educated, beautiful, nubile white women is interested in, is a family and motherhood, there are any number of Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Atheists and Agnostics who will be to obliged to do the favour. May be there is more to it than being a wife and pregnant. May be they are dying to live inside the black tent.

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pathanoo

Dec 14, 2012 09:12pm

"The Devil Devours it's own." After the Ahmadis, Hindus and Christians, it is now the turn of the Shias.
The same Shias who participated in the expulsion of Ahmadis, or at the least were complicit in it by their silence, are now facing the same Devil of hatred who is killing them in the name of pure Islam.
I like to pose the question to my Shia friends,"How does it feel?"
This religious madness must stop or Pakistan, a proven mistake by now, can still rott further.
Jinnah is rolling over in his grave and Allah is shedding tears of blood looking down at Pakistan.

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abbastoronto

Dec 14, 2012 09:05pm

In the 20th century the West committed suicide - killed 120,000,000 of their own in 31 years (1914-45) in 2 wars, concentration camps, gulags, force collectivizations, not including the 6,000,000 to 16,000,000 (pick up your figure) that the Christians admit to have killed the foreign race of yehud.
And it will rile the Westerners when you point out that it was a sectarian war of Christianity, pitting the Catholic Axis against the Protestants and Orthodox Allies.
The Axis Powers
Catholic Germany
Catholic Italy
Catholic Vichy France
Catholic Spain & Portugal (sympathizers)
Catholic Pope
The Allies Powers
Protestant UK
Protestant Netherland, Denmark
Protestant USA, Canada (English - the French are Catholic and were sympathetic to Axis)
Protestant Australia.
Orthodox Russia and satellites.
The "occupied" lands of Belgium, Poland are a separate category. They had to resist the oppressors.
1 in 4 souls lost their lives (a rate not matched since Abel killed Cain) and Europe has not recovered since then, and will not recover.
The Shia-Sunni carnage, though deplorable, is nothing more than a Sunday picnic. We can never match our Christian friends in this game, nor we want to.

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Sunny

Dec 14, 2012 09:01pm

First, you are not Indian, You mean that Muslims also should move to Pakistan from India.

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AHA

Dec 15, 2012 12:52am

Truth hurts!

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abbastoronto

Dec 14, 2012 08:54pm

AHA: Greetings
(I have tried to post twice in response to your query, so I am posting it on its own.)
LOL
Oh yes. I have been

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Naeem

Dec 15, 2012 01:27pm

Yes Sue, it is your fault if you choose to beleive in the wrongs that your grandparrents commited!!

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Sunny

Dec 14, 2012 08:46pm

Try to be hurry Petrol is going to finish soon or alternative energy sources are in horizon. I really like to see muslim world once impotence of oil goes down. It seems you are getting free pension from Canada without doing (contributing) anything to the country that allow you to live out of mess of Pakistan. You are just a burden on the Canadian taxpayer.

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Imran

Dec 14, 2012 08:46pm

Bhutto, Shah Faisal & Zia all did great service to Islam by declaring them non muslim. They are real sons of Islam as they solved almost 100 year old issue. Allah must have been happy too with their service to His religion but I don't understand that why did each of them saw a dreadful end;
Bhutto was hanged by his own people, Shah Faisal was shot point blank by his nephew, and Zia blown in the air
Just trying to understand if this is the way Allah ends life of His dear ones. or may be its a coincidence

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Sunny

Dec 14, 2012 08:32pm

That is why more Muslims are living in India than in Pakistan and almost doubled from 1947.

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Laeeq,NY

Dec 14, 2012 08:25pm

But sorry to say, no body could save Bhutto.

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Sunny

Dec 14, 2012 08:16pm

abbastoronto,You are totally confused. The information need to be digested and then frame a conclusion, but it seems you have half cooked figures (mostly made by you). My simple question is then please help others to know your views about how and why pakistan is, where it is today.

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Naeem

Dec 15, 2012 01:25pm

Many Generals have turned out to be great politicians!! General Eisenhower is an example for you. An ex general not in uniform can become a politician!!!

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Dr. Qazi

Dec 14, 2012 07:27pm

You don't save someone by passing laws against them.
ZAB should have used full force of the state to put down anyone breaking the law and destruction of private property.
But he unfortunately chickened out and ended up appeasing the anti-Pakistan Mullahs.

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Dr. Qazi

Dec 14, 2012 07:29pm

Really simple.
"There is no god except Allah, and Mohammad pbuh is his messenger".
That's all you need. Everything else is a practice.

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Dr. Qazi

Dec 14, 2012 07:33pm

Tolerant and peaceful Pakistan is good for India. You Sir do not need to go back 60+ years to express your hatred for the idea of Pakistan. Look forward towards peace instead of looking backwards for hate.
Thank you

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aabdul

Dec 13, 2012 09:01pm

If so, why do you need to listen to the Mullahs and Imams for what the Quran says? Why not just read it yourself.

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abbastoronto

Dec 15, 2012 01:22pm

I am pleased to hear that in Indian print media there is a lively debate. I should try my hand on that sometimes. Can you recommend me one please.
In Pakistan there is no shortage of TV talk hosts. In India there is one of the Khan actors. How do you explain this lack of debate on the TV in India?

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Midas

Dec 15, 2012 04:20am

No, actually the word means 'non-believer', but is used in a demeaning manner.

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Shoaib

Dec 14, 2012 07:11pm

The liberal forces in Pakistan for most part are more into democracy and rule of law and want to discuss and work out the issues facing the country, they are mostly drawing room activist who want to follow a democratic process. The religious fanatics on the other hand believe that they have the backing of the "God", and what they are doing is God's commands, they are unwilling to negotiate anything that they think is God's command, these people are really willing to die for their cause as evidenced in today's Pakistan. A group of opportunist Mullah have joined them also as there is a lot of money in it in the form of petro dollars.
I do not see any tangible force in Pakistan at the moment who can fight and overcome these forces of Ignorance and bigotry. I hate to say it but these forces will remain strong in Pakistan in the the foreseeable future. I think this mentality will keep fighting the Ahmadi's, Shias, and among themselves.
This will harm our country and the majority of people who are just bystanders in this game of religion, money, power and politics.
Mansoor Khan
USA

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 14, 2012 11:34pm

Just the beginning of the rise of The Islamic Nazi Party in Pakistan.
Saddam played the Irai Sunnis for fools and murdered as many Shias and Kurds as he could get away with.
Sadam sent 500,000 Iraqi men to their deaths against Iran. Certainly the Islamic Nazis of Pakistan can kill at least 1,000,000 Pakistani solders in India.

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Sunny

Dec 14, 2012 06:54pm

Please get up from your Sofa and enlighten us how. Animals are also surviving from centuries but their life is not the life one want to live.

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Goga Nalaik

Dec 14, 2012 06:52pm

OMG
A Great piece of work. You must have spent weeks and weeks in its preparation.
A brief and precise recap of our ongoing downfall.
I wish if our actual political elite could read this article (at least those who can eventualy read).
I must say that I've learnt a lot from your articles (and still learning).
Your fan

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Indian

Dec 13, 2012 12:58pm

Sir, I have question, Are there liberal Muslims in this world? if so sir, How can I distinguish a Liberal(secular) Muslim from a Communal(radical) Muslim?

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Naeem Bajwa

Dec 13, 2012 12:55pm

Bhutto was hanged, Zia was put to fire and Shah Faisal was killed by his nephew.

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Taimur

Dec 14, 2012 06:10pm

An extract from Munir Kiyani report ( 1954 ) "Provided you can persuade the masses to believe that something they are asked to do is religiously right or enjoined by religion, you can set them to any course of action, regardless of all considerations of discipline, loyalty, decency, morality or civic sense."

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 14, 2012 11:21pm

(Pakistanis) "...start worrying about yourself, as your days are near..."
First the Pakistan government must fall and then the World.
This is a failed mad Japanese idea.
All hail the Islamic Republic of NATO.

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Javed

Dec 14, 2012 06:45pm

Religious political parties are neither religious and purely political playing on people's fears and pitting one against the others. They should be banned in any civilized country.

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iqbal Khan

Dec 14, 2012 06:44pm

No need to write anything.Bhutto and Bhutto only sowed the seed of Cummunalism in Pakistan.

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Mohammad Ali Ilahi

Dec 13, 2012 12:39pm

Great Article NFP. (Y)

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 14, 2012 11:16pm

"The biggest lesson I learned from Vietnam is not to trust
our own government statements."
-- Senator James W. Fulbright

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 12:50am

One Million Indians fought World War II. Half a million of them were volunteers from Punjab.
After the war those who returned returned with the bloodied tools of their new trade.

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Dr. Qazi

Dec 14, 2012 06:35pm

leftists are equally responsible for economic and social diseases of Pakistan. Faiz was allegedly card carrying communist.
Sadly ZAB used Islam to destroy minorities, and at the same time used socialism to destroy economy, banks, schools, and factories.

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Imran Siddiqui

Dec 14, 2012 06:19pm

Modi is more than enough to remind both sides about the very reasons that a partition was required. India is also a third world country with equal share of extremist mind set and it will be proven once Modi becomes the PM or a cabinet minister.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 14, 2012 11:05pm

Saudi Arabia will own Pakistan, with God's help. Then there will be no borrowing from the IMF, and the Pak Army can be the official Army of Saudi Arabia.
Problems between Indian and Pakistan can then be sorted out with Saudi money.
It is the perfect solution. Corrupt Pakistan officials will have their hands chopped off.

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Guest63

Dec 14, 2012 06:06pm

Fascinating read in this article about the demise of the social fabrics as such , the blame for this disintegration and the mess the nation is now engulfed in , lays farily and squarely , at a Grave site in Ghari Khudabaskh . that is half the story listed here .
The other half i.e the territorial breakup of the Pakistan of Jinah , is also been explained with factual data in a very frank way being wriiten in nother article of which 2 parts have been eye poping realities , where the blame fairly and squarely lays at the door steps of Muslim Leaguers who came after the death of Jinah , with the covert support of blue eyed civil/militry power hungry looters .
People quite wrongly blame ZAB for the break up of the country in 1971 , his crime is even of a bigger proposition than that symbolic slogan attributed to him " ither ham uther tum " , as illustrated in this article . BRAVO NFP yet the leftists were cowards pussycats , we needed more of Merajs and JA Rahims perhaps , only then the nation could have escaped this mess !

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Rashid

Dec 13, 2012 12:43pm

NFP as usual really informative article, appreciate it

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szuberi

Dec 14, 2012 07:52pm

wishful thinking. history tells us that people who dont learn from their mistakes are finished as a result.

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Akram

Dec 14, 2012 07:40pm

All religions propagate peace. Its the followers who cause the rot.

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Akram

Dec 14, 2012 07:48pm

Indians only know love, love , love. What a loving country is Shining India !

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Karachi Wala

Dec 14, 2012 01:38pm

@ Zeeshan Hafeez, I immagine when Sunni Muslims target kill Shia Muslims, take them out of a bus, identify Shia's, shoot them point blank, in their mind they are killing Ahmadis?

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Imran

Dec 14, 2012 08:18am

Who says we need Mullahs and Imams for Quranic interpretation? We should read it ourself and use our judgment about the meaning. Thats the real beauty of Islam. No middlemen are required. Its each man for himself. Thats why there is a Day of Judgment to see who was wrong and who was right in this world.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 06:41pm

Cheers.

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Salman

Dec 13, 2012 09:05pm

When you trace hate why don't you talk about hatred against Bengalis and Hindus perpetrated by left leaning Bhutto and his cronies ? Please stop rewriting history. Bhutto was the biggest curse which happened to this country and we're still suffering.

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Reality Check Please?

Dec 13, 2012 01:03pm

Great Insight into Anti-Qadiani campaign and the snowball link to todays problems!
I do however reserve judgement inferences that the 1974 Parliamentary Resolution brought about todays situation....
I guess in Democracy, people's will was reflected on this issue and you have to remember that the scholars worldwide agreed on this issue in particular the Saudis and the Arabs at large.
So to just ignore and deny there is a problem is not only undemocratic but also inhumane as this was causing a lot of strife to many, in particulat the Qadianis themselves.
This thing happens in other religions also including Christianity, even today as we speak....certain Churches around the world are being expelled for not forcing ideas of homosexuals and women priests.
Now gong back to Pakistans issues, Had the Democratic process continued without the intervention of the Military Dictators, the Islamic Parties influence would have been curtailed and checked through the ballot boxes; as it happened historically and recently as not many votes were given to Religious parties.
Basically, the Dictators gave power to these powerless islamic parties just to disrupt and disturb the democratic process and institutions alongside illegal political parties, War lords, Drug lords and Criminals who were used to crush the will of the democratic forces (in particular the PPP) and weaken their vote bank. Just look at what happened under Musharaff with MMA phenomina; which disappeared in 2008 General Elections....
All this was done in the name of Islam, which was un-checked by Media, Judiciary and our so-called Brotherly Arab & Muslim countries as well as the West.
Basically in the approximately 20 years under the last two Army dictators, the dark forces were allowed to be created and grow whether it was the illegitemate political parties, criminals, and islamic extremists, and foreign influences/interference.
Today all these combined are tearing this great country apart because they all acquired a lot of money, weapons and power under Military rule....... and do not wish to give it up as the Democratic forces return!

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Raj

Dec 13, 2012 01:53pm

In any society if moderate people are in majority or near majoriy then that society will progress definitely when ? it is a matter of time.

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AHA

Dec 14, 2012 04:35pm

@ abbastoronto - Dawn has been 'moderating' me for far less. What are your connections????

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AHA

Dec 14, 2012 01:55pm

You can never appease tyrants.
Democracies spent most of the mid-1930

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Karachi Wala

Dec 13, 2012 02:00pm

NFP you say "But to me the most pertinent question remains, what were all the revolutionary leftists, secular liberals and progressive Muslims up to when all this was going on?" You further say

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Zahid

Dec 13, 2012 01:55pm

Majority of Saudi Arabia scholars and Arabs currently feel that Shias are outside the fold of Islam. Can we therefore conclude and set the scene to throw the Shias out of the fold of Islam as well and so on and on?
By the way, in 1953 there was no Military dictatorship rule and therefore we cannot simply say that the dictators gave power to the powerless Islamic parties.

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What Goes Around Comes Around

Dec 13, 2012 03:33pm

Very true, It was sheer stupidity on the part of Shia Muslims to support such a the resolution. Today we see how Shia Muslims are being forced to act like a minority as well

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Ranganath

Dec 14, 2012 08:03am

Observer,
An untended wound is more dangerous than the most poisonous creature which is in a cage..

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Laeeq,NY

Dec 15, 2012 02:55am

Nothing can be changed about Pakistan, until its habitants do not change them selves. Declaring Ahmadies non Muslims did not bring any peace among different sects in Pakistan. Religious extremism is at its peak and minorities are going through what Jews suffered in the hands of Nazi Germany. There was one hope from Imran Khan but this hope is fading away . Whom we can see a leader of Pakistan,who can serve in the best interest of Pakistan and its citizens?

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hidayat

Dec 14, 2012 07:33am

it looks like the mullah is finally succeeding in destroying Pakistan which It could not prevent from coming into existence in 1947. What a pity, so many musalmans lost their lives when it gained independence.

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FAB

Dec 14, 2012 07:59am

Great Writing by NFP!!! Religion is one's personal affair; state should not meddle into it. But seems like we haven

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peddarowdy

Dec 14, 2012 08:05am

Jinnah is a Holy Cow for NFP too.. Jinnah was opposed by the Islamist parties and hence a secular minded guy. Then, what was Direct Action day?
What about the many quotes of Jinnah, one of which I produce here:

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TKhan

Dec 15, 2012 03:37am

Failed policies of USA indeed been debated by the elite economist, However, these economists normally have a tilt, either Republican or Democrat, Now the facts, the highest unemployment rate in US history was 10.8% in November/December of 1982. The current unemployment rate is about 7.7%, so over 92% of eligible workforce is employed, that is in spite of your claim of bad economic model. Unemployment rate is consist of complex numbers and assumptions and time and space would not allow to explain. .India's current unemployment rate is 3.8%, i.e following the same model that you claim failed USA. I admire your love for Pakistan, and trust me I love her as well and would like to see her prosper, however, your statements in comparing Pakistan with India or United States is far fetched. I have walked the streets of Karachi and know the elites as well as once middle class who now have fallen in to the category of poor; they all agree on one thing - with current economic conditions of Pakistan is in, there is no hope. So actions are needed; not cheap thrills by making meaningless comparisons. I also apologize for being abrasive in my earlier comment.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 12:14am

When a people have strayed from God, war always brings them back to God when they have had their fill of it.
Man does not listen to Man. Allah knows how to get your attention.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 01:00am

Every Muslim wants to be the boss.

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Mustafa Razavi

Dec 15, 2012 01:01am

Do you have someone like NFP in India you can ask how the Indian caste system got started? I bet there is no such freedom in India.

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Vicky

Dec 13, 2012 03:36pm

Civil-war may likely happen in near future and I can predict one of the province may separate from Pakistan.Pakistan may lose one or some of its provinces in some years time if the law and order situation does not improve.

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Afrem

Dec 14, 2012 03:22pm

Panjabi Puttar...it seems you skipped abbas's entire post and read only the last sentence. Please do read again. Unless you are beig sarcastic...

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usama

Dec 13, 2012 04:48pm

OO''s

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sri1ram

Dec 14, 2012 06:52am

Nicely penned, but very generalized. One thing to note is that when a poor country with low resources starts out socialism is Needed to pool resources (at the central or federal level) - exactly a Nehruvian approach to start with. Over time when the resources, education levels, development of roads and infrastructure reach some sustainable levels - national governments can take decisions to privatize, use the markets, invest in capitalism and "meritocracy" etc. Remember that Nehru stressed on a "mixed economy" - NOT a purely socialist or communist republic. This was a very pragmatic approach such that the few existing industries under the Tatas, Birlas, Navroji, Cipla etc. that would be the engines for the future economy were safeguarded their domains and profits - unlike a Russia or China where everything was willy-nilly nationalized after a "revolution" against "materialist, uncaring capitalists".

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subba khan

Dec 13, 2012 02:02pm

So Ahmedis are non muslims? are they not?

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Raj

Dec 13, 2012 04:20pm

As long as Pakis dance to the tune of Saudis (greed for petro $), they are doomeed. Instead they should look to their own culture, language and try to develop it.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 12:33am

It is difficult for any government to manage a people head over heels in love with God,
because the will not ever compromise. They are like policemen - they are never wrong.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 12:07am

It may very well be that Allah says "the process is not closed".
You are following men, and politically bent men as well.
Allah spoke these words? "The process is closed."
If Divine or Revealed Revelation is not continuing, the World may as well end Now.
The final pages of the Christian Bible says, "Nothing may be added to this book."
Same old thing - everyone speaks for Allah except Allah.

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Anup

Dec 14, 2012 07:26am

I agree that there has been too much negative propaganda about Pakistan in the world and especially here in India..while it is true that perpetrators of terrorism must be brought to justice,I realise that there is a significant number of people there who want peace and I hope someday(soon),we will overcome all the hatred and prejudices we have of each other
and I sincerely think we could be the best of friends.
P.S : I hope the rivalry in sport remains as it is though :-)

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Qasim Rashid (@MuslimIQ)

Dec 13, 2012 12:16pm

Good, insightful piece Mr. Paracha. As an Ahmadi lawyer who has studied this history in detail, I found your analysis worthwhile. Thanks for writing. @MuslimIQ

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sri1ram

Dec 14, 2012 06:34am

However sad or tragic the migration of well-to-do minorities, today the nation is paying the price for those seeds of hatred, division and strife sown gradually by short-sighted leaders, both army and civilian. I wonder how they could not comprehend that what was applicable then to small minorities like Ahmadis would be a blueprint for bigger minorities like the Shia and of course to Hazaras, Christians, Hindus etc. Collective Karma seems to be at robust play.

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Shraddha

Dec 15, 2012 03:45am

Why is it that success of every ideology has to depend on the definition and exclusion of the 'other'. Whether it is in the name of Islam or communism or dictatorship, someone 'else' is always responsible for the woes of dominant communities and they need to be eliminated. Never mind, that 'they' are people who have multiple other identities and contribute to their nations in several important ways. This is an excellent article, but please forgive me when I say that your views are still on the fringes of the society, even amongst the intellectuals, middle class and so called leftists (I am holding this view based on my interaction with middle class, educated Pakistanis in several intellectual centers across the world, so please correct me if I am wrong). As soon as the issue of societal and cultural oppression crops up, most people in Pakistan close up and start sprouting theories of difference and diversity. No form of political and social system can possible justify violence against minorities. Also, comparing nations and pointing out to the oppression in my nation, does not really help. Instead, the need is to accept that injustice has happened, validate the plight of minorities and start some form of social reconciliation. Otherwise, this cycle of blame game will continue (whether its the Sunnis blaming the Shias, or Mujahirs blaming the Balochs) and as the economic opportunities deteriorates further, the society will keep spiraling into further violence.

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Khan

Dec 14, 2012 03:49pm

An excellent perspective NFP. Is there a party in Pakistan of today with the courage to say that we will correct the wrongs done by previous generation? Be it the genocide in Bangladesh (East Pakistan) operations in Baluchistan and Kashmir or killings of Ahmdis, Shias , Hindus and Christians, there are two common themes in all that . One that no Pakisttani feels ashamed of all that rather they will start justifying them on one or other pretext. Second JI seems to be at forefront of all these. Bangladesh has learnt a lesson and banned this outrageous group of fascists but it may take probably decades and countless more lives before Pakistan's social conscious will wake up and get rid of this psychology.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 06:40pm

Arkush is a Jewish name. What is Ankush?

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Malik from Australia

Dec 14, 2012 07:13am

A very detailed and constructive piece by Mr Piracha. He is doing an excellent job by publishing his works in Dawn. It is not necessary for someone of Mr Piracha's stature to go to electronic media. Do what you are doing best Mr Piracha. Keep writing for Dawn. We appreciate your contribution very much.

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Hassan

Dec 14, 2012 06:54am

Superb , Too much Informative . Kudos to NFP

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taranveer singh

Dec 14, 2012 03:57pm

religion of peace :-P

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Cynical

Dec 13, 2012 04:20pm

Who do you think you are to question partition?
Quaid-E-Azam agreed to partition and if he agreed to an arrangement it must be right.

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Mustafa Razavi

Dec 15, 2012 12:33am

Don't spew just raw hate and rubbish. Turkey and Malaysia are both world's finest democracies and have produced moral leadership that the West or Indians can not even dream of. Turkey is an economic power house with a per capita income twice that of china and almost six times India. Malaysia has an even higher per capita income.
Turkey has also established true secularism where state is indifferent to religion and not hostile to religion. Where media does not invent vile names and labels to demonize those who profess a religion. In Turkey you can't imagine the country's leading news outfit having a name like your NDTV-Hindu channel nor you can have an anti-religious channel.

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born Muslim

Dec 15, 2012 04:07am

Yes, because you have been fed this. When you will get your thinking back, you will end up on something different

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 12:23am

No one has voted neigh on that idea yet.

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getmaryam

Dec 13, 2012 03:23pm

This is what puzzled many others too that the sects who showed zero tolerance against each other just got united under this one issue and agreed to pass on the resolution.

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balalhaiderl

Dec 14, 2012 06:58am

A terrific article, I must commend it . The truth never hides, and the critical mistake made by the PPP is not one of the past. They still do it , they still joined hands with Sunni Itehad Council for the next elections. Even thought SIC supports Qadri in the Killing of Salman Taseer , Governer Punjab belonging to the PPP.
Ahamdis live a life in which there is no freedom of religion, speech or even basic civilian rights. Pakistan was so much better with them in the main stream. I hope we can learn from our mistakes.

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Imran

Dec 14, 2012 05:26pm

I'm afraid the killing's everywhere. remember the 2 world wars? Nothing to do with islam or Muslims.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 12:16am

"The truth never hides..." People do.

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R. Yahya

Dec 13, 2012 12:57pm

Excellent analytical article. Thank you Mr. Paracha. Truth can not remain hidden much longer. Any how my prayer is that God save Pakistan.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 12:45am

".till the end of second world war Jews and Muslims had peacefully co existed ..."
Until the end of the First World War after which Palestinians began to attack Jews in Jerusalem streets.

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AHA

Dec 15, 2012 12:48am

ZAB did not care about religion. But he did care about his political survival.

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Leftist

Dec 14, 2012 07:08am

@Zain, ordinary people have now started issuing fatwas ???!!!

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Waleed Khan

Dec 14, 2012 03:16pm

you should read the Justice Munir Commission Report and you will get your answer. Justice Munir asked Mullas, what is the definiin of Muslim (not good muslim). One responded that give me 2 weeks, justice Munir replied, if you couldnt get an answer in 14 centuries how will you get one in 2 weeks. It is people like you who are pushing this nation into the dark ages

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Imran

Dec 13, 2012 07:19pm

Virus is a deadly name. What is Cyrus?

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Abbasi

Dec 15, 2012 12:22am

You get American money you tow their line. Its happening in your backyard.

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Anup

Dec 14, 2012 06:39am

Depends on what kind of followers you are considering...every religion has multiple interpretations and corresponding followers of those interpretations.There are liberals,conservatives and extremists in every religion.So which interpretation you adhere to is a reflection of who you are and what are your beliefs.(like violence or non-violence).We should not blame the Holy Books for our choices.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 12:22am

The one who destroys and is not created.

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MJ

Dec 14, 2012 03:45pm

Bhutto was not trying to appease the religious parties, he actually was trying to save the Ahmadi's by declaring them non-Muslims. Just prior to that particular declaration, a large number of armed men, actually a small army, had gathered in Punjab and were about to attack Ahmadis and kill them for being apostates. Bhutto then declared them non-Muslims so that he could save them from the bloodshed.

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Indian

Dec 14, 2012 03:47pm

I ask NFP to write and article about "Roots of Communalism",How did the religious bigotry started in Pakistan,which eventually let to sectarianism.

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Anup

Dec 14, 2012 06:17am

True...

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Soul of Manto

Dec 15, 2012 03:47pm

@AHA
You are a good soul. Wish more people think like you do.
I didn't mean to hurt or deride anybody. Like you I also had their safety in mind. Being born in a family of refugees I know what our forefathers went through, both Hindus and Muslims.

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Akram

Dec 14, 2012 07:44pm

The idea of Pakistan is to have a secular society but with a Muslim majority. Thats how it is different to India. Your reaction suggests that it is a slap on your face rather than on the 2 nation theory.

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hari

Dec 13, 2012 02:22pm

Faiz suggested that Pakistan did not have a monopoly to define Islam.
In his paper he insisted that Pakistani culture was not just Islamic, but a mixture of many ethnic, sectarian, religious and western cultures that it had inherited after 1947.
This is the reason why India should not have been divided on religious lines ? whole of subcontinent could have been peaceful.

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Mountaindew

Dec 13, 2012 03:59pm

Seed of civil war and disintegration of Pakistan is already sown,Only time will make it to grow and give fruits.

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Pradip

Dec 14, 2012 10:26pm

Whoa Abbas...I am impressed with your thoughts on Milton Friedman and Chicago school of supply-siders. I agree with you that India has followed that school except that not only that trickle-down does not work in most places because of greed and that markets are intrinsically inefficient as Greespan finally conceded, but also because in a kleptocracy called India, the substantial benefits of global economics have only fueled and further accentuated the divide - with the booty mostly staying with the politically connected. Having said that, I think it is too soon to write off the Chicago school.
On a separate note, I was reading someone who contended that Islam is a political movement rather than a religious one. What do you think of that?

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RealityCheck

Dec 14, 2012 06:30am

Let

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Akbar

Dec 13, 2012 11:10pm

very biased liberal fascist point of view, they never would learn that majority of pakistani if they reject religious parties they reject them as well.

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pakistani

Dec 14, 2012 05:34am

what we believe for our religion and other religions, other faiths believe same.

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Azhar

Dec 14, 2012 06:17am

Bhutto and Zia are gone but their legacy and Saudi "blessings" are playing foul still. With Jinnah's Pakistan no more one may wait a little while to find if one could, a country we still call Pakistan. Nothing is immortal here except One who creates and is not created. Thank you Paracha anyway.

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Ahmed

Dec 14, 2012 07:57am

A realistic analysis, I can see positves and optimistics and moderates dominate the hatemongers in the comments part

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Imran

Dec 13, 2012 08:04pm

That may be so but it is not the business of the state to define who is a muslim and who isn't. Today a lot of sunni mullahs believe that shia are not muslim and vice versa so at some poitn one or the other could be declared a non-muslim in another Pakistan like state and go on and on. Read the Aug 11, 1947 speech by Jinnah ahd you will know exactly.

"...they should not have tried to appease the extremists of their time..."
Appeasement is always the mark of weak men. Leopards can smell fear.

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Comrade Lude

Dec 13, 2012 08:07pm

All the 72 Firqahs are fighting each other still they don't know who's the right one?

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John F

Dec 14, 2012 03:49pm

Please read Justice Katju's reference on how hatred was created between Muslims and Hindus by the British (divide and rule policy) in this article : http://tribune.com.pk/story/478296/why-i-said-90-per-cent-of-indians-are-fools/

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 12:19am

In other words the people with all the money who don't share with us.

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ethicalman

Dec 13, 2012 02:00pm

Pakistanis only know hate hate hate...denial denail..

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observer

Dec 14, 2012 11:06am

NFP must stay away from dirty TV talk shows. Dr. Javaid Ghamidi made the mistake of debating with likes of Hasan Nisar and Haroon Rasheed. It is important to keep good minds away from dirty minds.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 07:19pm

Any Muslim who tries to get ahead the rest will pull down. Only those with power can rule.

Broad minded Muslims do not call for Direct Action day at the end of which 5000 people were killed; They normally revere Gandhi, the apostle of peace.
People are just redrawing the line. Jinnah drew a ideological line based on Religion. Some felt it should be extended to include Ahmadis.. Now, Taliban feel Shias too come under it. But, the core principle of the ideology of ML and anti-Shia groups are same - Division.

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pakistani

Dec 14, 2012 05:40am

Great article! For real progress & growth, religion should be kept apart from the affair of state as pointed out by Quaid-e-Azam in his address on Aug 11, 1947.

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Saad

Dec 14, 2012 06:24am

'religious right in Pakistan as being

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Keti Zilgish

Dec 14, 2012 09:58pm

I don't see anything wrong in Muslims declaring themselves as Non-Muslims and the same rule applies to all Jews, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists or whatever. Authoritarianism or Anti-Authoritarianism are not the sole prerogatives of any one religion or ideology.

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G M Patra

Dec 14, 2012 02:43pm

I am not sure but 100 % of my thoughts come from watching Pakistani News and TV shows. It seems that Pakistan also started teaching its school children to hate HINDUS and India. It always lied to its people about all the wars with India blaming India for them where as they are the ones who started them. It also lied to them about loosing those wars.

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vinod

Dec 13, 2012 03:41pm

I think Pakistan is slightly better than Afghanistan in law and order.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 15, 2012 12:11am

The Golden Rule established in Pakistan after Jinnah's death is...
Those with the most Gold make the most of the Rules.

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M Ali Khan

Dec 13, 2012 12:15pm

Its also important to mention that in an ironic twist of Bhutto's "Islamic Socialism" as a foreign policy, many Arab kingdoms (Esp. Saudi Arabia) also persuaded Bhutto to declare the Ahmedis as non-Muslims.

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Jockey

Dec 13, 2012 03:24pm

Hindu doctor shot dead in Pakistan
PTI | Dec 13, 2012, 05.39 PM IST
ISLAMABAD: A well-known Hindu doctor was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen in the restive Balochistan province of southwest Pakistan today, police said.
Lakshmi Chand was going home when two gunmen riding a motorcycle fired at him in Mastung town, police officials said.
Chand was killed instantly and the gunmen fled from the spot. Police sent the body for an autopsy and registered a case.
The motive for the killing could not be immediately ascertained.
Members of the minority Hindu community in Balochistan have been targeted by criminal gangs and extremists in recent months.
Several Hindus, mostly petty traders, have been kidnapped for ransom.

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Imran

Dec 14, 2012 05:48pm

I wouldn't hold my breath if I was you mate, we've been hearing these doomsday predictions since 1979.

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Bashir

Dec 14, 2012 05:24am

The exodus of Pakistani Ahmadis after 1974 and 1988 is a sad example of brain drain. What mullahs and politicians collaborated to suppress in Pakistan has grown into a tightly-knit well-educated progressive worldwide community in 200 countries.

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abbastoronto

Dec 14, 2012 05:22am

There is a saying among the Arabs.
Me against my brother.
Me and my brother together against our cousin.
Me and my cousin together against my neighbour

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Free Thinker

Dec 14, 2012 05:21am

Wow! Very clear analysis on the dangers of political opportunism. Thanks.

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naeem khan

Dec 14, 2012 05:16am

I don t know why our historians and thinkers portray Bhutto as a LEADER in fact all he was was a power hungry less than ordinary politician who cozied up with the dictators both Ayub and Yahya , presided over the dismemberment of Pakistan by refusing to accept Awami leagues mandate and acting as deputy PM of yahya and finally showing how spineless he was in case of taking a purely religious debate to assemblies who have no business deciding anybody's faith

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Punjabi Puttar from Brampton

Dec 14, 2012 05:15am

What are you doing in the Infidel land then?.

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abbastoronto

Dec 14, 2012 02:04pm

Tamilslevan: Greetings
Please google "Democracy vs Republic". There are a number of sites that specifically deal with this subject. The two models of governance emanate from Athens of 2,400 years ago.
In short, Democracy is the rule of the Demos, the 5% moneyed males ruling over the 95% rest (women, plebs, helots, slaves). It stands for Law and Order, and Laws are made by the powerful.
The Republic is the rule of the Public by learned men, a government of the People, for the People, by the People. It stands for justice, giving each his due. It stands for Natural Laws ( or Divine Laws) like "All men are created Equal ...". Plato's Republic describes the ideas were developed by Socrates who was condemned by Democracy, but Our Prophet soundly defeated the Meccan Demos and successfully found the Secular Medinan Republic.
Democracies are for stratified societies (Caste minded India, UK, Canada). Republics are for egalitarian systems (France, USA, RPC, Muslim countries). The Gini Index is much lower in Republics than in Democracies.
The USA was founded as a Republic in revolt against the Democracy of PM Frederick Lord North. Pakistan was founded as a Republic against the Democracy of Nehru.
There is further twist that may confuse you. In the USA during the 1930s the Democratic Party and the Republican Party switched roles. Now the Democrats push Republic Ideas, and the Republicans want Democracy in the world (because the Demos is easier to control than the Public, as in Pakistan).
I hope that helps. Best wishes.

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secular pakisani

Dec 14, 2012 04:57am

answer to all the problems

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observer

Dec 14, 2012 04:52am

Arun, it is your right to have whatever opinions and feelings you have about people from my country. But let me say that it was not an average pakistani that attacked indian citizens on 26/11. We are not even sure if it was pakistani government behind it. But clearly an ordinary pakistani is against terrorism. There are extremist elements in pakistan but pakistan is more of a victim of negative propaganda. Pakistani people have a certain special way about their religion. But an average pakistani would not approve of killing or terrorizing people in the name of our dear religion. Also, extremist elements are just a few in terms of % of people. The dangerous thing that extremist tendencies are on the rise as pakistan is so isolated internationally and economy is not going well.

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YA

Dec 14, 2012 04:18pm

People say : Bulleh is an Infidel (Kafar)
and an idol-worshipper.
But in the Lord

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Suleman

Dec 14, 2012 04:40am

Diagnosis and dissection in one article, thumbs up!

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TKhan

Dec 14, 2012 04:27am

@abbastoronto. You totally confuse your readers, at least me. I have problem in understanding your stand about Pakistan. It seems that you are well learned, well spoken and write well and like to write. However, you write whatever suits your fancy. Sometimes you praise and take pride in stupid stuff such as Pakistani Dramas and loath Indian economic achievements and other times; oh well, your comments speak for itself. You go to many lengths to look impressive but you appear fake.

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gulkhan320

Dec 13, 2012 03:41pm

Well researched and well written, but sir you missed an important point of Munir commission findings. After interviewing 500 ulema, no one agreed on a single definition of a muslim. Any how must dwel on it in future, similar pieces must be coming in future as well. May Allah give us all courage to speak truth and show what we are.

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Ranganath

Dec 14, 2012 06:12am

You speak as if it is a great privilege or a great status to be Muslim. Sorry. Look at yourselves on any place on earth. Is there a single place where one Muslim is not killing another Muslim. What ego!!

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Akbar

Dec 14, 2012 04:08am

well said Imran....God not only finished Bhutto but all his progeny...

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Hemant

Dec 14, 2012 04:00am

Saloman ,
For most of recorded history , that till the end of second world war Jews and Muslims had peacefully co existed . The rivalry in fact was between Jews and Christians .the discrimination that Jews faced in most of the Christian world , culminating in the holocaust . The western world was able to change the entire narrative and today the entire discourse is about war between Judaism and Islam .
Similarly closer home in the Indian sub -continent Muslims and Hindus coexisted peacefully for more than a thousand years . Both the communities fought the British together in the first war of independence in 1857 . The first Hindu Muslim riots in india followed the British victory in the 1857 war .

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Salim

Dec 14, 2012 03:54am

Mr Paracha asked "But to me the most pertinent question remains, what were all the revolutionary leftists, secular liberals and progressive Muslims up to when all this was going on?"
Mr. Bhutto was a very smart man and I am sure he knew that appeasing the mullahs will have short term advantage. What every one knows is that Ahmadies would never vote for mullahs and would side with secular/progressives. By declaring the Ahmdies as "Non-mulism for state consideration", the Ahmadies would opt out of the voting pool. It was a cool-shrewed-calculated move by Mr. Bhutto. The alternate secular/liberal lost a chuck of population that could have voted for them or could have been a threat for Mr. Bhutto.

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Saif

Dec 14, 2012 03:37am

@ 'Usman', sectarian or not, isn't it a worthwhile effort to explore the root cause of continuing militancy and hatred among Muslims?

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pankajdehlavi

Dec 13, 2012 08:12pm

excellent placement of poetry..........

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Proud khan

Dec 14, 2012 03:23am

Why Muslims then.

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Maudood A. Bhatti

Dec 14, 2012 03:14am

A very balanced article. Although this history would not be found in Pakistan's history books, Pakistanis must get to know this in order to learn why they are reaping the fruits of what was sowed in the past.

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Kautilya

Dec 14, 2012 03:08am

to the so called soul of Manto... U ashame him
How would it be to you, if all your memories are ripped and shredded right in front of you...
Anyways no point digressing from the main issue... Good article as always

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solomon2

Dec 14, 2012 03:06am

A good approach, but you didn't trace back far enough. After all, at one point both Muslims and Hindus wanted to separate from the Brits and did NOT want separate states. When did the driving hate begin? Could it have been after World War I when the Arabs conned your grandfathers into denigrating international laws and individual and minority rights - when your grandfathers were persuaded into denouncing the peaceful return of the Jews to Palestine. From there everything else follows, for why travel all the way to Palestine when there are minorities one can define and oppress at home, close at hand, to one's personal profit and spiritual uplift?

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Bashir

Dec 14, 2012 05:33pm

Really?

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Laeeq,NY

Dec 14, 2012 02:54am

Because they do not have any thing else beside this

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neon

Dec 14, 2012 02:55am

if a person says he is a christian and his book is bible and his god is Jesus then he is a christian. what business others have in saying he a non-christian. likewise for a Hindu or a jew or Muslim.

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Laeeq,NY

Dec 14, 2012 02:51am

Well peace be with Bhuto. Had he stoped this monster of Islamaniztion of Pakistan then, he and his daughter would be still living and enjoing and governing the Pakistan. What you sow, so does you reap.(If I am quoting correctly)

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Raj

Dec 14, 2012 02:49am

Any religion is judged by his follower's behavior. There is no other identity of muslim other then followers of Islam and like or not Islam is judged by his followers called muslims behavior. 2 % of muslims are taking ride of Islam and 98 % are watching silently and that's hurt the non muslim world. If you don't take control of your religion then nobody else will come to your rescue.

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Laeeq,NY

Dec 14, 2012 02:45am

Many lives are lost every day and no one in the Government even condemn it any more. What is the price of life of a person belonging to the minority? Most of their muderings do not even make new any more. Alas we had some morality left with.

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fasyed

Dec 14, 2012 02:09pm

A detailed research article from writer, the beauty of this article is, its written in a way that a new generation could think at least once what

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Malik

Dec 14, 2012 04:14pm

It is still not late, if leadership of PPP realises the mistake it made in past ,by bowing down to religious parties.Now they have to give some sacrifice, may be by accepting their mistake they will not get power very soon but they can put country back on the track of success. They have to distance themself from these Petro-dollars. Although they is change going on all arab world, hopefully we will get rid of these arab monarches very soon, who are resposible for spread of this brand of Islam in our country.

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AHA

Dec 14, 2012 02:02pm

The Hindus are the Children of this soil. This is their home, just as it is mine.
They have every right to consider their safety first, but I will be sad to see them leave.

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observer

Dec 14, 2012 05:03am

Pakistan needs a stronger democracy. A strong system than a strong individual.

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Imran

Dec 14, 2012 05:37pm

We certainly consider being a Muslim a privelege, thats why we are Muslims. As for the violence, it is nothing compared to the millions who perished in the 2 world wars less than a century ago, not to mention the holocaust. Those events had nothing to do with Muslims or Islam. There are actually very places in the Muslim world where Muslims are busy killing Muslims if you think about it.

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Laeeq,NY

Dec 14, 2012 02:38am

This mentality of having "trade mark" kind of rights on Islam made us so bold and numb of reality that Islam is no ones personal property. We need to decide who is the owner of this "TradeMark", and then we can decide who is Muslim and who is not Muslim.

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AHA

Dec 14, 2012 02:13pm

Must me very confusing for HIM, though.

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iqbal Khan

Dec 14, 2012 03:38pm

Yesterday I sent you my comments about the wrong photo of Chief Justice of Pakistan which happened to be of 3rd Gov Gen of Pakistan.You were quick enough to remove the photo but you didn't put up my comments or drop me a small mail of thank for correcting this error. Have a nice day.

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pathan

Dec 14, 2012 02:01am

Muslims and Mullah can't exist together.

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raj kumar chhabra

Dec 14, 2012 01:54am

Truth, interesting and a piece of history.....lets admit it, mistakes have been made, also admit, there is no point of return , as of now, and future seems bleek. petro dollars are still being pumped in to strengthen the hands of one group against the other one. in this battle, Pakistan has suffered, if one can defeat himself, here lies the example. Look up, stand up, get a mass leader , who can clean up...is any one there?, is any one listening?

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AHA

Dec 14, 2012 02:18pm

Arun - You consolation perhaps is that these Islamists have murdered a few hundred of

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AHA

Dec 14, 2012 02:20pm

Religion has been a big abuser of humanity throughout history.

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chaman

Dec 14, 2012 01:11am

And India is accused for separation of Balochistan....

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Saleem

Dec 14, 2012 12:59am

Brilliant!!!!

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muhammad

Dec 14, 2012 01:02pm

Infact Bhutto made his own gallows

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Tarique Malik

Dec 14, 2012 12:32am

JazakAllah,

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john

Dec 14, 2012 01:03pm

A Country born of the inability to live with others , has no HOPE it will live with its OWN, What can you say about pakistanis, in one sentence,, Pakistan's roof is leaking, leaking with Ignorance, your Karma is catching up with you guys.

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abbastoronto

Dec 13, 2012 08:19pm

No one can doubt that the Ahmedis have contributed enormously to Pakistan. However, Jinnah was brought back by letters of Iqbal, and personal efforts of Liaquat and his wife Raana.

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macha6

Dec 14, 2012 12:16am

who the hell are you??

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Usman Malik

Dec 13, 2012 10:16pm

Nadeem F Paracha for the first time made it clear that Bhutoo was the main cause of all this terrorism and religious stupidity and Zia only followed his footsteps. Now u can only blame him for saving Zia's @$$ lol

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salah khan

Dec 14, 2012 12:12am

shame on you for being so dumb, we are just humans after all you moron

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macha6

Dec 14, 2012 12:15am

there is no such thing as a messiah, grow up! education is the way.
you need to educate your your self Vimal, its sad how ignorant you are.

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Mustafa Razavi

Dec 14, 2012 10:34am

It is all a matter of semantics. There is no disagreement between the Ahmedis and Hanafis that the two of them are not followers of the same "Deen", mind you, not Maslak. However, both of them would like to refer to themselves as Muslims, and by extension, the other one is not. Make no mistake about it, neither accepts the other as Muslim, however at the moment, only the Hanafis are insisting that Ahmedis not call themselves Muslims.
When you cut through the flak, it amounts to a trademark issue, or rather if the very concept of trademark is valid here. One can ask where does it end, what will happen if Hanafis next demand that Shias not call themselves Muslims? One can also stand the same question on it's head and ask what if tomorrow the Pakistani Hindus want to call themselves Muslims, as MK Gandhi once did, albeit rhetorically. We should be guided by the most basic Islamic tenant: when in doubt, remember, Right is a thing to be given not taken.

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ali

Dec 14, 2012 11:09am

Excellant analysis of how petrodollars for oil rich arab countries belonging to one ideology of Islam has been able to use Pakistanis,with willing politicians and military, to polarize and persecute one community against another and destroying Pakistan and its economy. When will Pakistanis wake up and realize the great injustice done to minorities in the name of Islam, the first religion that accepted any minorities and tried to protect their human rights. No one has the right to decide who is a true Muslim. "Let the one with no sins cast the first stone"

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Ankush

Dec 13, 2012 03:05pm

May the muslim god bless Hairaan and give him strength to rot in pakistan.

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muhammad

Dec 14, 2012 10:28am

Bhutto made his biggest mistake when he tried to appease the Mullahs of his time and accepted their demands whereas masses had rejected the Mullahs and elected the secular Bhutto & PPP but unfortunately later on those Mullahs with outside monetary support revolted against Bhutto and brought down his government and eventually took his life with the help of Zia there is a lesson for every Politician especially those who are in power that they should not try to appease extremists of their time as they were not chosen by extremists / fanatics they were elected by the masses and the masses have given them the mandate of tolerance and humanity not to bow down or to cave in under the pressure of extremists / fanatics.

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AHA

Dec 14, 2012 01:57pm

I think Pakistan is slightly better than Somalia in law and order

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Tamilslevan

Dec 14, 2012 11:14am

Good description and brief summary of Islam. Muslims killing Muslims is still continuing to date. No changes to that yet!

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 06:08pm

What were all the revolutionary leftists, secular liberals and progressive Muslims up to?
They were afraid to go against faith.

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Vimal

Dec 13, 2012 06:11pm

Pakistan needs messiah to save it and I don't see any one out there who can do this job.

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Ahmed

Dec 13, 2012 11:57pm

...or at least from 1947 when we decided we couldn't live with the Hindus.

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Afrem

Dec 14, 2012 03:14pm

The key word you used in your last sentence is "man made MYTHS". Now please reflect on your religion on how or who started it. And you will realise that you fall into the same category of your statement. May God Bless you and release you from you myopic thougth process!!!!

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Tamilslevan

Dec 14, 2012 11:20am

It will stop if radicals stop killing innocents and drive out Pandits and Pakistan stops supporting terrorists. People who can't live in peace and let others live in peace can cross the border and settle in Azad Kashmir

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Shahzad

Dec 14, 2012 03:13pm

truly said, but even Mullah's & Mullah's cant even live together !!!

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muhammad

Dec 14, 2012 11:24am

Mr. Irfan,
You are absolutely right no sane person can oppose your assertions. it was a black day when our Parliamentarian took over the roll of Allah and decided that who was Muslim and who was not and this encroachment in the authority of Allah has now turned into curse for this nation and now every sect is calling other sect Infidel (Kafir) in the hope that they will get the other sect declared Infidel (Kafir) from the Parliament

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silver account

Dec 13, 2012 02:35pm

In 1953 at the instigation of religious parties, anti-Ahmadiyya riots erupted in Pakistan, killing scores of Ahmadi Muslims and destroying their properties. There were severe agitations against the Ahmadis in which street protests were held, political rallies were carried out, and inflammatory articles were published. These agitations led to 2,000 Ahmadi deaths. Consequently, martial law was established and the Pakistan's Federal Cabinet was dismissed by Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad .

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Punjabi Puttar

Dec 13, 2012 11:22pm

what goes around comes around.

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Silajit

Dec 13, 2012 11:17pm

While reading NFP is always a pleasure, it has often bothered me that he looked at the ZAB era thru rose colored glasses. It's good to see objectivity here.
Looking forward to comments on ZAB's role in 2 events.
One was pushing Ayub Khan towards Operation Gibraltar, watching him fail and then enjoy the limelight. The second was steering Yahya Khan towards Operation Searchlight which ended up with the only time in history when a majority population has seceded from the minority.

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MuawiyaLONDON

Dec 13, 2012 11:51pm

Z.A Bhutto though secular was a Muslim after all. and according to his beliefs, any one believing in the prophethood after Muhammad s.a.w is outside the fold of islam.......please dont blame him for following his faith. May he rest in peace ameen.

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Ahmed

Dec 13, 2012 08:20pm

A shia is a shia, a sunni is a sunni, why is it hard so accept that they are not a muslim. I hope you are getting my point my boy..

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Tamilslevan

Dec 14, 2012 11:27am

Muslims, non-Muslims! They are all humans. Let their own gods take care of them and not his self proclaimed representatives take that role and start basing each other.

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Usman

Dec 13, 2012 10:42pm

It's shocking that Dawn has allowed this comment by 'Abbas', which has clear sectarian connotations, to be published here!!

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Tamilslevan

Dec 14, 2012 11:35am

Interesting reading but difficult to understand that why Pakistan did not follow the so called free market approach of Jinnah (maybe he died too soon). Free enterprise in India was always there for thousands of years. The Cong Govt used a controlled economy and screwed us all up. Maybe it's time for Pakistan to follow the free economy type of model. Also, please explain Law and order democracy and Justice minded Republic. Looks it's a manipulation of words...........Thanks

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Mustafa Razavi

Dec 14, 2012 10:36am

Saad;
Looks like everybody is conspiring against you.

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Ashish

Dec 13, 2012 10:35pm

Isn't the concept of Kafirs a hate concept?

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Dr. Mohamed Boodhun

Dec 13, 2012 10:35pm

Thank you Nadeem for a good recap. Despite all their deliberations in 1974, the Pakistan Assembly could only come up with the definition of a "non-Muslim". They have yet to come up with the universal definition of who a "muslim" is. I suggest that they choose the definition given by the Holy Prophet(PBUH) if ever they decide to come up with one. And that is belief in the unity of Allah and in the Prophethood of Mohammad (PBUH).
Dr. Mohamed Boodhun/Canada

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Saeed

Dec 13, 2012 10:33pm

I give 100% guarantee Pakistani never kill Pakistani and attack other place ,but if you mean Muslims than I am agree with you.

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Usman Malik

Dec 13, 2012 10:30pm

The Real Irony! "What is also ironic is the fact that Zia

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suneel

Dec 13, 2012 09:53pm

in 630 AD there was no pakistan

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Naeem

Dec 13, 2012 09:24pm

Arun, Pakistan did not attack Mumbai. It is the act of same mullahs and so called jihadis at whose hands Pakistan has suffered more than any other nation.

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John F

Dec 14, 2012 02:55pm

"The only solution is to forge an environment of religious tolerance, supporting the causes of multi ethinism, pluralism and diversity!"
How is that different from India ? Sir, your statement is a slap on the 2 nation theory and the very creation of Pakistan.

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Naeem

Dec 13, 2012 09:29pm

Because, Allah hates hypocrites.

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Comrade Lude

Dec 13, 2012 07:48pm

well presenting kashmir issue in UN and Indians troops are still fucking every Kashmiri there . Cheers.

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Usman Malik

Dec 13, 2012 10:13pm

Well u can blame media but havent MUSLIMS done enough to earn this fame?

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Usman Malik

Dec 13, 2012 10:11pm

Hats of to u Ndeem F. Paracha for highlighting the issue and presenting true facts, and standing ovation for pointing out that Buhutto wasnt a wise man as most people have mistaken him for, but real WICKED and Evil person who showed the path to Zia and Mullahs to behave stupidly and make this country a LIVING HELL!

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 07:17pm

Pakistan will be a completely new nation one way or the other. "Politics as Usual" is finished in Pakistan. Perhaps this election can keep the country from falling apart for five more years.
Obviously Pakistan can expect little economic help from the outside world. These days Pakistanis are about as trusted around the world as the Nigerians.
Very simply, The Barbarians are at the Gates, and the army and police are the Goths.

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zaidi tayyab

Dec 13, 2012 05:16pm

How Bhutto handle this, prove to be first nail in his coffin. If he delt accordingly with the people who were destroying the life of peacefull citizens, attacking and killing them, we would not have in current situation now.

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Karachi Wala

Dec 13, 2012 05:18pm

It could be other way around but, thanks for the encouraging words.

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whodunit

Dec 13, 2012 07:26pm

In Christianity there are Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Baptist denominations. Yet they are all Christians. If Ahmedi's say they are Muslim then who are you to say they are not?

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Cynical

Dec 13, 2012 07:25pm

Hindu, I guess.

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Imran

Dec 13, 2012 07:24pm

Same here bro, same here.

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abbastoronto

Dec 13, 2012 07:13pm

Pakistan

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Imran

Dec 13, 2012 07:12pm

They should be free to choose what they want to call themselves. It is only for Allah to decide who is a Muslim and who isn't. Allah never gave us the authority to decide who is a Muslim and who is not.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 07:10pm

Yes. Of course there is Hope, but it will take a bloody revolution or civil war to scrap an unjust and oppressive system. It always has.
No. Pakistan will not get by without bloodshed. Better to know who your neighbors are and which ones you can trust before the ox manure hits the fan. Look around. Use your Street Eyes. If you don't have street eyes - then grow a pair. People organize in the face of danger, but they had better choose the winning side.
In war there are Winners and Losers. That is all there are - winners and losers. The quick and the dead. Those who stayed alive were quick.
It seems the Islamic Fundamentalists in Pakistan are the people with Unity. They will win because they can count on each other when the chips are down.

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nasr bhatti

Dec 13, 2012 07:02pm

Hats off to you sir,A complete History.I salute to your courage as even now there is only the You who can jot down the reality.

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Keti Zilgish

Dec 13, 2012 06:46pm

They always called themselves Ahmadis whereas their opponents preferred the word Qadiyani.

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abbastoronto

Dec 13, 2012 08:33pm

In 1492, the year of America

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suneel

Dec 13, 2012 10:14pm

Ankush is Indian name of sanskrit origin..which probably means control/restrain

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Rafiq A. Tschannen

Dec 13, 2012 07:01pm

One of the best articles that I have read so far in this respect. Only by acknowledging the real reason for the 'birth of terrorism' in the country could this 'decease' be tackled.

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Wasil Arien

Dec 13, 2012 06:32pm

The author who is a committed votary of Bhutto appears to have matured enough so as to see that he was nothing but an opportunist who like the creator of Pakistan used religion for political purposes. without envisioning the consequences and eventual ramifications. I hope some day Piracha will give similar treatment to Mr.Jinnah also.

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Irfan

Dec 14, 2012 10:41am

i wish we start seeing things the way they are..atleast now, after so much damage has been done. the fabric of society has been thoroughly mutilated by the religious rights. it was never about declaring Ahmadis non muslims. it was a politically motivated struggle by the rightists to stay in the fold and claim a lion

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abstracthinker

Dec 13, 2012 06:32pm

"due to a failed

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 06:32pm

"My prayer is that God save Pakistan."
You will have to give God a reason first.

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Midas

Dec 13, 2012 06:32pm

An excellent rendition of historic facts, to add one of many, Ahmadis have played a mojor role in the creation of Pakistan, before the 3rd round table Quaid was extremely dejected and had left India for good, but it was the Ahmadiyya leadership who convinced him to come back and keep the spirit alive. It was Ahmadi generals who have laid down their lives for Pakistan in the wars - are there any non-ahmadi generals who died in any war? It was an Ahmadi who presented the Kashmir and Palestine issue in the UN. There are many more such cases. Answering your question - all those liberals were sitting on the side lines because when it comes to Ahmadis people dont have enough moral courage to stand up and say that "this is not right" - because the mullah and the extermeists have a huge nuisance value, and nobody wants that in their face. Wait for some time until these same extermists are in their faces and there will be no one on their sides. But once again God Bless you for an excellent article.

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Khan

Dec 13, 2012 06:29pm

Sikhs are Sikhs ,Hindu is a Hindu, A Christian is a Christian, and A Muslim is a Muslim. So why its so hard to accept that a Qadyani is a Qadyni and not a Muslim. They choose to be Qadyani, and should
not come from the back door and call themselves Muslims. I'm pretty sure this way no one in their right
mind will even bother them.

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zulfiqar

Dec 13, 2012 06:26pm

history tells whenever religion is used as a tool in running state affairs it brought injustice opression and haterd

Prof Howell, maybe we can request you to speak to God and put in a good word for us.

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Pendoo

Dec 13, 2012 06:21pm

@subba khan: What an irony! So, lets continue declaring each other non Muslims. I will determine your religion for you and you have the absolute right to determine mine. At least try to think before you start writing anything like this 'subba khan'. If Ahmadies or anyone else would like to call themselves Muslim, how exactly would it affect your faith Sir/Madam? May God bless you!

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Midas

Dec 13, 2012 09:19pm

No we actually prefer Muslim, but the constitution does not allow us, we are law abiding citizens, hence we abide.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 06:20pm

It should be evident to all that the people of Shia Islam are peaceful and the people of Sunni Islam are not.
As Ibrahim Al-Buleihi has said, behavior is not simply about teaching, but about practice as well.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 06:16pm

For the overwhelming majority the purpose of Islam is punishment.
This isn't about Paradise, it is about the Hell we are living in.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 06:13pm

However to me, the puzzling question remains, what the elite and clergy of Shia Muslims were thinking when they went along with the majority Sunni Ullema and Bhuttu

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Arun

Dec 13, 2012 06:14pm

I have mixed feeling regarding Pakistanis.I feel sad when I see them killing each other and also see them in poverty. I feel angry about them when they attack us on 26/11 and kill our citizens.

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Vijay

Dec 13, 2012 06:03pm

Its very easy to provoke Pakistanis on basis of sect,religion, ethnicity,gender etc.

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whodunit

Dec 13, 2012 07:32pm

Very interesting history lesson about how the religious parties first opposed the creation of Pakistan and then claimed to be Pakistan's most fervent soldiers. If only we can remove the cancerous tumor of religion from Pakistan, it will have a chance to be normal.

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Zeeshan Hafeez

Dec 14, 2012 11:39am

There is no puzzle at all. It is very simple. Both Shia and Sunni are the sects of Islam, whereas Qadyanis are Non Mulims. That is why both Shias and Sunnis are united on this issue.

In 1965 Indonesia, 350,000 Overseas Chinese - whole families, were dragged out of their shops and houses, looted, robbed and beaten and butchered in the streets by Malays all across the country.
These Chinese, like the Jews in Germany, were murdered because their crime was "having all the money", being the crooked shop owners.
You can make it about religion if you choose.

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Usman Malik

Dec 13, 2012 10:08pm

By the way who gave way to a Martial Law and military way in? A political party and then in 1974 Bhutto almost INVITED military into power through his sheer stupidity and mullah apeasing. By the way in DEMOCRACY there are certain things which are beyond legislation like HUMAN RIGHTS and RELIGIN, people's will does not always reflect their best interest, and nothing can be said of something which was an orchestrated , thought out and pre planned idea to decieve people in. By the way its not very strange by now how stupid ARAB scholars are (especially SAUDI ones). Those scholars are a laughing stock by now for the entire world each day including MUSLIM UMMAH! And if u try to have a reality check urself, the outcome of those IDIOTIC incidents is self evident of a blunder!

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abbastoronto

Dec 14, 2012 03:10pm

Ranganath: Namaste
Yes, it is a great privilege to be a Muslim, especially today because border-less Islam is the natural religion for the era of globalization and trade, just as Christianity and Hinduism were the natural religions for the Agrarian Era, and the religion of Moses the right one for Pastoral Era. Moses was a shepherd, Jesus an artisan in the Fertile Crescent, and our Prophet a Businessman Trader, and today Trade is supreme.
Islam is a privileged religion because it is not wasteful but Efficient

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Suraj

Dec 13, 2012 05:48pm

Some of the Pakistanis have blind eye towards radicals,some may feel that they are strategic assets against external enemies like India.I think and I am be false that Pakistan will be destroyed by its internal enemies that is the Islamists than by its external enemy India.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 05:54pm

"Several Hindus, mostly petty traders, have been kidnapped for ransom."
The Irish rebels robbed banks and post offices in order to buy their guns.
In Allah we trust. All others must pay cash for their weapons.

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Indian

Dec 13, 2012 05:54pm

I fell martial law is about to come in Pakistan to integrate Pakistan again.

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YA

Dec 13, 2012 05:53pm

Unfortunately the people of my country have gradually been conditioned not to challenge religion or even question things which are of an immoral nature, if the things are associated with religion. Unless this mentality changes we will keep going down the path of irrationality and intolerance....

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 06:04pm

A wise man.

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Akbar

Dec 13, 2012 09:38pm

ya you right, this is how GOD rewarded the champions who declared Ahmadis non-muslims.

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Maryam

Dec 13, 2012 02:07pm

Great article. It's law of Allah that He brings turmoil on His true people and instructs them to be patient over it. History is evident that whenever anything has happened against Ahmadis they never came up with any outrageous reaction. They leave their matters solely on Allah.

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aabdul

Dec 13, 2012 08:54pm

This is another great eye-opening article published by the Dawn news. If there is one institution that can bring about a sea change in Pakistan, it would have to be the openeness of Journalism, not some vague promises by incompetent politicians (like halving corruption in 9 days). The future generation of Pakistan will appreciate the great work of Journalism in Pakistan. All these years I was made to believe that there is no compulsion in religion, Islam is peaceful, it protects minorities etc. But the history of Pakistan tells me another story. I hope they publish such great articles in Urdu news and Pashtun news in KP and FATA.

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Soul of Manto

Dec 17, 2012 07:59pm

But religion was involved in partition of India.
And the only two countries created on the basis of religion are Pakistan and Israel.
What a great coincidence.

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Abid Khwaja

Dec 13, 2012 07:31pm

Pakistan is going through a Correction Process of Differentiating between Right from Wrong in the end the Right would In Shah Alllah win because there is only ONE DEEN (Religion) Allah Subhanutallah prefers for us which is ISLAM and all other faiths are man made MYTHS.

If you are going to comment on these public forums, please learn how to spell. Or better yet, enable 'spellchecker'.
Tell me who made you in charge of deciding who is Muslim or who is not. Your so called 'Assembly'? Everyone knows who they were and what was their ending.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 07:35pm

I always will put Pakistan in my prayers because I don't think anyone deserves to die a useless death.
"The Flowers of the Forest are all weeds o' war."

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 05:45pm

The assassins were quoted as shouting out, "If we have no health care, neither will you."

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 05:43pm

"Mummy. Mummy, I'm afraid. Make these bombing and shootings all go away."
"I will Malala. Don't you worry. Just close your eyes and go to sleep."

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Newcountry

Dec 13, 2012 05:40pm

There may be another Bangladesh emerging inside Pakistan. Baluchistan definitely will become a new country in the future.The seeds are already sown with time it will sprout.

your statement is deceptive as there is a difference between some scholars views and state policy...please note the Saudi Government banned them from entering KSA for Hajj & Umra!

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abbastoronto

Dec 13, 2012 07:40pm

A weak man reprimanded at work come home, shouts at his wife, beats his dog.
Pakistan, defeated in 1971 by India, turned on the weakest. Someone had to take the blame. The Ahmadis got shafted.
But let us talk about things fundamental.
After our Prophet

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Ak18

Dec 14, 2012 11:45am

interestingly he keeps calling qadiani's "Ahmedi's" even when quoting the National assembly report on qadiani's..... also no mention of what creed one must adhere to in order to be called a 'muslim', only mentioning what some 'ulema' believe in their opinion, is required to be 'good muslim'.... good muslim or bad muslim is irrelevant to the whole debate... which is based on whether qadiani's actually are muslim or not.... there are good and bad people in every religion, caste, colour, faith creed, society, etc etc.... good and bad is subjective.... the issue raised is whether qadian's are muslims or not....

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 05:38pm

" So, in the Libyan fable it is told that once an eagle, stricken with a dart,
said, when he saw the fashion of the shaft, "With our own feathers, and not by others' hands are we now smitten."
Aeschylus

it is people like you who deserve to be declared non-human and vilified

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Insaf

Dec 13, 2012 05:35pm

Can any one see hope in Pakistan's law and order situation in future?

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Vishal

Dec 13, 2012 05:30pm

Can any one guess what will happen to Pakistan in the future?

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Cynical

Dec 13, 2012 05:31pm

Yes gandhi, nehru can make mistake but not Quaid. He had the knoeledge of the book and he was true to Prophet's (PBUH) teachings.

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Anup

Dec 14, 2012 06:07am

The answer to your question is in this line :
"But in 1973, fearing marginalisation and a possible exit from the political process, these parties once again decided to repose the

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 05:26pm

"Corporations have been enthroned an era of corruption in high
places will follow - and the money power will endeavor to
prolong its reign by working on the prejudices of the people
. . until wealth is aggregated in a few hands . . . and the
Republic is destroyed."
-- Abraham Lincoln

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Tamilslevan

Dec 13, 2012 08:35pm

In 1974 Pakistan Parliment passed a resolution and declared Ahamadiyas as non muslims and were declared a minority. Now, look at the plight of all minorities in Pakistan be it Shias. Aga Khanis, Hindus, Christians or Ahamadiyas. Unless there is a fundamental change in the thinking of the people you are heading for a disaster in the name of islam

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Soul of Manto

Dec 13, 2012 05:25pm

I am from India, but I have no sympathy for these hindus in Pakistan. They are just stuborn. They should have left Pakistan long ago. Life is more important than a piece of land.

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abbastoronto

Dec 13, 2012 08:39pm

Is hammam mein sub nangey.
No one is above reproach in making of this sordid affair. Opportunism galore.

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John F

Dec 14, 2012 03:22pm

Wasn't Martial Law the cause of disintegration in the first place? (Zia, Yahya, and even Bhutto, chief martial administrator)

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ashu

Dec 13, 2012 05:21pm

There was a hate inbuilt since long else pakistan would not have been created in the very first place.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 05:22pm

They will if English speaking Pakistanis have no fight in them.
This was similar to what many Egyptian women, young people and those of a secular bent felt about losing the elections to the Egyptian Brotherhood - that it would mean take over by people they were not comfortable with leading Egypt.

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abbastoronto

Dec 13, 2012 08:45pm

Oops - 632 AD, not 630. Apologies.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 05:09pm

Your future has already arrived. Those who want an Islamic State are shooting and blowing up their neighbors.
What we are seeing is the first wave only.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 05:11pm

=(@_@)=

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 05:18pm

Solid analysis.

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Mamoon

Dec 13, 2012 05:12pm

"For a few years after independence most of the politico Mullahs couldn't face the people of Pakistan because they had vehemently opposed the partition of India. The anti-Ahmadi movement was a political stunt by these parties to get back into mainstream politics and divert people's attention from their past political miscalculations".
The above is what I was told an 85 year old non-Ahmadi neighbor who has a PhD in history and has witnessed this entire drama unfold in front of his eyes. History eventually exposes every one.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 05:16pm

I guess you are doomed then.
Of course, everyone in Pakistan has the option of selling their cars and motorbikes and trucks to buy donkeys and camels.
With no electricity Pakistan can then proceed in the dark on their way to the Dark Ages.

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Muba Khan

Dec 13, 2012 05:06pm

Good article by NFP. It's only matter of time when reality with sink in for general public..i just hope it's not too late..Religion and politics should be kept far apart

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Pakistan

Dec 13, 2012 04:51pm

Fanatics may take over Pakistan and its nuclear assets in near future.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 05:06pm

I am forced to believe that Allah has completely severed his "relations" with a great many Muslims.

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Asad

Dec 13, 2012 04:55pm

and yet you paying too for that....

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Vinod

Dec 13, 2012 04:54pm

You need every Pakistani to become NFP to transform Pakistan.

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Hassan

Dec 13, 2012 04:50pm

And where in this article is Bhutto praised..?

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Asad

Dec 13, 2012 04:51pm

rather Shia's were the part and played well in that dicission. And now they are paying for the same law and constituation.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 06:59pm

"Baluchistan definitely will become a new country in the future."
Because the Balochs are willing, ready and able to fight.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

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Soul of Manto

Dec 13, 2012 06:56pm

Good idea!

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SBB

Dec 13, 2012 06:57pm

Do you know that most of them are too poor to leave?

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 06:46pm

Hear, hear.

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Cyrus Howell

Dec 13, 2012 06:55pm

"Unfortunately the people of my country have gradually been conditioned not to challenge religion or even question things..."
Let us not miss the fact that Pakistanis have been guided by Arabs who were under the boot of the Ottoman Empire for 500 years. They were taught how to bow their heads and not look up.

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abbastoronto

Dec 14, 2012 11:56am

sri1ram ji: Namaste
We Muslims have a better model than the European approach you summarized - Socialism in time of survival, and Free Enterprise in times of Growth.
The profligate, wasteful, failing Corporate Capitalist West offers:
1. No responsibility or limited responsibility godless culture
2. Large Corporate controlled Enterprise
3. Knowledge as a Private good
4. Top-down polity
5. Law and Order Democracy and Lawyerism
6. Positive interest regime
7. Income/spending/import taxation
8. Control of movement in goods, money, and people
Every one of these is anti-progress, anti production, only for private profit for the few. Taxing incomes, spending, imports is no good for consumers or small and medium business alike. Not taxing assets encourages accumulation and hoarding, ties up resources needlessly.
Koranic/Mohammedan Islam:
1. Personally Responsible Individualist Moral God-fearing culture
2. Free Enterprise
3. Knowledge as a public good
4. Bottom Up Polity
5. Justice minded Republic
6. Zero interest regime
7. Asset taxation
8. Borderless world
This is the model that our Prophet implemented in the Secular Republic of Medina.
The problem with Indian policy makers is that they are always behind the times. They fell out of the frying pan misguided of Nehru's Socialism into the fire of Reaganomics and Thatcherism, a policy that bears fruits 30 years later. Just look here at USA/UK. India will face the music well before 2020.
The problems of Pakistan are the woes of Transition from Agrarian to Industrial Economy. As people get tired of violence there is already light at the end of the tunnel.
Here is a repeat of Pakistan

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Observer

Dec 13, 2012 04:52pm

Taliban may rule Pakistan in future.

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Naeem Sabir (@cybegeek)

Dec 13, 2012 06:53pm

All of this history is well documented for those who want to look. Sadly most of Pakistanis are so afraid of the mullah that they dont dare to challenge him even if they can see him spread hatred & dont agree.
The divide that exists in our society, the twisted values the masses adhere and subscribe to are the product of a long and deep indoctrination of pseudo Islamic radical extremism which has nothing to do with real Islam and as you have mentioned are the result of political aspirations.
Here is the dilemma. It might already be too late, we ignored the plight of who were suffering for too long, thinking at least it's not us but by doing that we have strengthened the hands which now choke us.

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Abdullah

Dec 13, 2012 04:15pm

Cheers NFP.

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Mazahr

Dec 14, 2012 12:57pm

Very well said.

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Ashutosh Tickoo

Dec 19, 2012 09:58am

That was the worst thing to have happened to Subcontinent.Brothers and sisters got separated, to serve the purpose of those who never wanted Hindu Muslim unity..

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Mustafa Kamal

Dec 13, 2012 12:50pm

Another effort by NFP to save Bhutto.

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Tahir

Dec 13, 2012 06:52pm

"The Ahmadis had played a leading role in the creation of Pakistan and were placed in important positions in the military, the bureaucracy, the government and within the country

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yawar

Dec 14, 2012 06:06am

Btw, super article, Paracha Saheb.

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FuturePakistan

Dec 13, 2012 04:55pm

This was Pakistan will be in future.
http://dawn.com/2012/12/13/swedish-church-volunteer-dies-after-pakistan-shooting/

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Cynical

Dec 17, 2012 08:24pm

Now you scare me. You say that, "Allah made the entire universe for the believers,". Where does that leave the non-believers? Should they commit sucide, if they choose to be self-righteous? or they should convert to Islam, if they choose life over honour?
In the same breath you say you don't love land. Shall I take it as you wouldn't mind if I take over your house (with a little help from the neighbourhood bullies) and send you back to the land of your birth or the land you were raised in?
You certainly is not a good advert for Islam.

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Truthseeker

Dec 13, 2012 03:40pm

Its really feel bad to see such brain dead jombie killing on the name of God ..... But its more dangerous that we do not find a single human to oppose this.................. Do really God want this????? If God were really interested in such killing on his name than all the Muslim country would be the developed nation with maximum Human quality index...................... But interesting thing is Human quality index is higher in country where people make effort for their betterment, work hard...........

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yawar

Dec 14, 2012 06:05am

One thing I've never understood. NFP has been one of the most prolific, daring and important columnists in Pakistan with a huge readership, and yet one hardly sees him on TV and never on all these seminars on Pakistan in India and other countries. Strange.
As far as I am concerned, he should be a regular at these seminars and on TV.

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pakistani

Dec 14, 2012 12:58pm

Who hell are u to decide who is muslim, it is not the duty of so called Mullahs and not let Allah decide. "Are logo tumhara kiya mein janu mera khuda jane".

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dinmab

Dec 13, 2012 05:00pm

outsourcing thinking ? this kind of blind belief on people and ideology is the root cause of fanaticism. ever human being does mistakes, be nehru , gandhi , jinna.

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raw is war

Dec 13, 2012 04:23pm

Great Article

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Soul of Manto

Dec 15, 2012 07:44pm

No. You are not a Muslim because being Muslim is a privelege. That would have been a considered decision. You are a Muslim because you were born to a Muslim family.

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Bashir

Dec 17, 2012 01:31pm

But the question is how to initiate and bring about national reconciliation? Does anyone see any political will or leadership?